Dogged by Bad Luck

It was raining in torrents when we got information that about 2000 infantry and cavalry had left the British camp this morning and were heading for Najafgarh under the command of Brigadier General John Nicholson.

He advanced from a side road which brought him on the right of the “rebel” forces. Fording the drainage cut, Nicholson decided to attack the serai, drive out the “mutineers” and then charging to the left sweep down and get possession of the bridge. But all this we came to know much later.
Our troops had actually not been expecting the enemy to attack in this heavy rain, so, we failed to notice the advancing British forces, till they began shooting at us from close quarters. Also, Nicholson was able to surprise the forces of Neemuch Brigade (under Abdul Samad Khan) by attacking from behind.

The action which commenced at 5 pm was over in about three hours. Indians lost 800 men, thirteen field pieces and a large quantity of ammunition. Along with it, all the camp equipments, stores, camels and horses fell into British hands.

On the other hand, Bakht Khan who was not too far from the field of action, instead of making any effort to salvage the situation returned to Delhi. It is indeed unfortunate that we were not able to take advantage of our strong position.

The King was furious on hearing the news of the debacle and reprimanded Bakht Khan for not providing succor to his brothers in arm.

However, the damage had already been done. The news of the defeat of Indian forces was received with dismay by the people of Delhi and they realized that the end was not far.

Nana Sahib retreats to Bithur

Col Neill defeated the left wing of Nana Sahib’s forces which was occupying a position in the vicinity of Kanpur and drove them back to Bithur.