BATTLE OF SOBRAON. 10th. February, 1846.
Reading edition
Although the intelligence of the victory of Aliwal, and the sight of the numerous bodies which floated from the vicinity of that battle-field to the bridge of boats at Sobraon, apparently disheartened the enemy, and caused many of them to return to their homes, yet in a few days they appeared as confident as ever of being able in their entrenched position, to defy the Anglo-Indian army, and to prevent the passage of the Sutlej.
The heavy ordnance having arrived on the 8th. of February, the day on which the forces under Major-General Sir Harry Smith rejoined the main body of the army, it was determined at once to storm their entrenchments, and finally drive them out of Hindoostan. This was no ordinary undertaking, as, from observations made during the time the head-quarters of the army were stationed at the village of Nihalkee, it was ascertained that the position at Sobraon was covered with formidable entrenchments, and defended by thirty thousand of the élite of the Khalsa troops; besides being united by a good bridge to a reserve on the opposite bank of the river, on which was stationed a considerable camp, with artillery, which commanded and flanked the Sikh field-works on the British side of the Sutlej.
About daybreak on the 10th. of February, the mortars, battering guns, and field artillery were disposed on the alluvial land, embracing within their fire the enemy’s works. As soon as the sun’s rays cleared the heavy mist which hung over the plain, the cannonade commenced; but notwithstanding the admirable manner in which the guns were served, it 319would have been visionary to expect that they could, within any limited time, silence the fire of seventy pieces of artillery behind well-constructed batteries, or dislodge troops so strongly entrenched. It soon therefore became evident that musketry and the bayonet must ultimately decide the contest.
The British infantry, formed on the extreme left of the line, then advanced to the assault, and in spite of every impediment, cleared the entrenchments, and entered the enemy’s camp. Her Majesty’s 10th., 53rd., and 80th. regiments, with the 33rd., 43rd., 59th., and 63rd. Native Infantry, moving at a firm and steady pace, never fired a shot till they had passed the barriers opposed to them, to which was attributed the success of their first effort, and the small loss sustained by them. When checked by the formidable obstacles and superior numbers to which the attacking division was exposed, the second division, under Major-General Gilbert, afforded the most opportune assistance by advancing to the attack of the Sikh batteries, entering the fortified position after a severe struggle, and sweeping through the interior of the camp. A very severe loss was inflicted by this division upon the retreating enemy. The same gallant efforts, attended by similar results, distinguished the attack of the enemy’s left by the first division, under Major-General Sir Harry Smith, in which the troops nobly sustained their former reputation.[120]
Fighting with the energy of desperation, the Sikhs even 320when some of their entrenchments were mastered with the bayonet, endeavoured to recover with the sword the positions they had lost. The cavalry under General Sir Joseph Thackwell, rode through the openings made by the sappers, in single file, and re-forming as they passed them, galloped on and cut down the Sikh artillerymen at their guns. But it was not until the weight of all three divisions of infantry, in addition to several regiments of cavalry, and the fire of every piece of field artillery that could be sent to their aid, had been felt, that the enemy gave way. The Sikh regiments retreated at first in tolerable order, but the incessant volleys soon caused them to seek safety in a rapid flight. Masses of them precipitated themselves on their bridge, which, being broken by the heavy fire, was incapable to sustain the multitudes pressing forward; the sudden rise too of the Sutlej rendered the ford almost impassable, adding another obstacle to their escape. A dreadful carnage ensued. The stream was red with the blood of men and horses, the bridge in many places had given way, and it is considered that at least a third of the Sikh army perished in this battle; sixty-seven of their guns were captured, together with two hundred camel-swivels (zumbroorucks,)[121] numerous standards, and vast munitions of war.
In this manner ended the battle of Sobraon; at six in the morning it commenced; at nine it became a hand to hand conflict; and by eleven it was gained. Major-General Sir Robert Dick, K.C.B., the former leader of the 42nd. Royal Highlanders in Spain, fell at the moment of victory; Brigadier Taylor, C.B., the beloved commanding officer of the second division, was also killed. In these several battles the British loss amounted to six thousand two hundred and seventy-two officers and men killed and wounded.
Of the Queen’s regiments, besides those already mentioned, the 31st. and 50th. were described in orders as having greatly distinguished themselves. The gallant conduct of the 9th., 29th., and 62nd. regiments, was also specially noticed, and the cavalry were not forgotten.[122] The 3rd. Light Dragoons and the 10th. especially distinguished themselves.
The following regiments were present at this decisive victory, namely,—3rd. Light Dragoons; 9th., and 16th. Lancers, 9th., 10th., 29th., 31st., 50th., 53rd., 62nd., and 80th. Foot; their conduct and that of the officers received the thanks of Parliament, the 1st. Bengal Europeans; 4th. 5th., 6th., 7th., 8th., 9th., and 26th. Bengal Native Infantry, and 1st., and 2nd. Goorkhas.
Ten days after the battle of Sobraon the British arrived before Lahore. So complete was the discomfiture of the Sikhs, that no further opposition was experienced: and on the 22nd. of February a brigade of troops took formal possession of the palace and citadel of Lahore. A treaty was signed on the 7th. of March, which, while it evinced the moderation and justice of the paramount power of India, appeared calculated to secure the frontier against similar acts of aggression.
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