The battle of Betwa

Today was fought the Battle of Betwa. Tatia Tope had come with his army for the assistance of the Rani of Jhansi. He had under him a large number of troops, estimated to be about 20,000.
Rose, the British commander was busy attacking Jhansi. The disconcerting news of Tatia’s approach and his having crossed the Betwa river was brought to him by a messenger. Without lifting the siege of Jhansi or slackening his fire, Rose moved out to meet Tatia Tope’s army with about 1200 men out of which only about 500 were Europeans. On this occasion, the soldiers of Tatia failed to prove their mettle. They were routed and were driven across the Betwa with a frightful loss.