Note 11 — INDEX. (continued 39)

As the capture of an enemy’s guns by artillery unsupported by cavalry or infantry is perhaps without precedent in the annals of war, it may be explained that a rapid advance left the infantry in rear, and a thick wood prevented the action of cavalry. On the road (the only open space through the wood) the enemy’s guns were suddenly overtaken and captured by the charge of the mounted gunners, who sabred the Sepoy gunners before they had time to fire. A moment’s hesitation would have been fatal. Had the British guns halted to unlimber, the enemy, who were already unlimbered, would have had first fire, with inevitably annihilating effect.