Battle of Ally Ghur

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The Battle of Ally Ghur was fought during the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805) at Aligarh, India.

The Aligarh Fort, one of the strongest forts in India, was fortified and commanded by a first-rate French officer Perron. It was laid under siege on September 1, 1803 by the British 76th Regiment, now known as the Duke of Wellington's Regiment under General Lord Gerard Lake. It was captured from the Marathas while under the leadership of Perron by the British on September 4, 1803. ^[1]. During the assault, fourteen ditches were lined with sword-blades and poisoned "chevaux-de-frise" around the fort by the French. The walls were reinforced with many French artillery and tigers and lions of Scindiah’s menagerie were also used by the French ^[1].

The contest was terrific in the ditches and intricate gateways of this fort, but the 76th were not to be deterred, were not to be denied; steadily, silently, resolutely, they forced their way through fire, steel, and blood, and never ceased until with a shout of victory the Colours of the 76th Regiment floated over the highest pinnacle of the fortress^{[citation needed]}. During the battle, the British lost as many as 900 soldiers ^[1]. The then Duke of Wellington declared the capture as "One of the most extraordinary feats" ^[2].

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c} The Tremendous Adventures of Major Gahagan, William Makepeace Thackeraym chapter 2
2. ^ Evolution of the Artillery in India, By R. C. Butalia, pg239

[edit] External links

• Decisive Battles of India from 1746 to 1849 Inclusive, By George Bruce Malleson