Gurkha War
Also known as the Anglo-Nepalese, or Nepalese War, or the Anglo-Nepal, or Nepal War.
Summary
| Gurkha War | |
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| 1814-16 | |
| Chronological list of Wars and Campaigns | |
| [[Image:|250px| ]] | |
| Location: Nepal | |
| Combatants: | |
| East India Company | Nepal |
| Result: British victory | |
| Medals: Army of India Medal 1799-1826, Clasp: Nepaul | |
| Links: | |
| Category: Gurkha War | |
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See our interactive map of the Gurkha War First Campaign locations and routes on Google Maps | |
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See our interactive map of the Gurkha War Second Campaign locations and routes on Google Maps | |
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In the latter part of the 18th century the Gurkhas overran all of eastern Nepal, parts of Sikkim and in the west the Kumaon region. The British had recently taken over the Kingdom of Oudh and perceived a threat to their expansionist ambitions. They mounted a first campaign using four columns on two fronts starting on 1 November 1814. Poor leadership by three of the commanders led to early defeats by the Gurkhas. Colonel David Ochterlony's determination and skill proved decisive however, and the Gurkhas were forced to surrender after the fall of Almora in April 1815.
The Kathmandu government failed to ratify the treaty signed on 28 November 1815 and this led to a second campaign. Once again Ochterlony, with assistance from the King of Sikkim in the east, forced the Nepalese Army onto the defensive and after the Battle of Makwanpur the Gurkhas ratified the Treaty of Sugauli on 4 March 1816. Nepal ceded Sikkim, Kumaon and Garhwal together with a large part of the Terai lowlands.
Biographies
Entries in the Dictionary of Indian Biography 1906
William Gardner (1770-1835)
Robert Gillespie (1766-1814)
Hyder Young Hearsey (1766-1814)
Richard Kelly (1782/3-1840)
Gabriel Martindell (1755-1831)
David Ochterlony (1758-1825)
Field Forces 1814-15
Major-General Robert Rollo Gillespie's Column
- 1,000 European troops
- HM 53rd Foot
- Some artillery
- A few dismounted dragoons
- 2,500 Native Infantry
Colonel David Ochterlony's Column
- 6,000 Native Infantry and Artillery
- Two 18-pounders
- Ten 6-pounders
- Four mortars and howitzers
Major-General John Sullivan Wood's Column
- 950 HM 17th Foot
- 3,000 Native Infantry
- Seven 6 and 3-pounders
- Four mortars and howitzers
Major-General Marley's Column
- 8,000 troops
- 907 HM 24th Foot
- 2,000 Native Infantry
- Four 18-pounders
- Eight 6-pounders
- Fourteen mortars and howitzers
Field Force 1816
Commanded by Maj Gen Sir David Ochterlony
Right Column
1st Brigade, Colonel Richard Kelly, 24th Foot
| Military unit | Rifles |
|---|---|
| HM 24th Foot | 849 |
| 1st Btn,18th Native Infantry | 747 |
| 1st Btn, 21st Native Infantry | 390 |
| 2nd Btn, 21st Native Infantry | 437 |
| Chumparun Light Infantry | 1,246 |
| Total | 3,669 |
Centre Column
3rd Brigade, Lt-Col Miller, 39th Foot, 24th Foot
4th Brigade, Col Dick, 39th Foot, 9th Native Infantry
| Military unit | Rifles |
|---|---|
| HM 24th Foot | 876 |
| 2nd Btn, 4th Native Infantry | 784 |
| 2nd Btn, 8th Native Infantry | 784 |
| 2nd Btn, 9th Native Infantry | 810 |
| 2nd Btn, 12th Native Infantry | 894 |
| 2nd Btn, 15th Native Infantry | 805 |
| 2nd Btn, 22nd Native Infantry | 860 |
| 2nd Btn, 25th Native Infantry | 815 |
| 1st Btn, 13th Native Infantry | 425 |
| Total | 7,053 |
Left Column
2nd Brigade, Lt-Col Nicoll Kelly, 66th Foot
| Military unit | Rifles |
|---|---|
| HM 66th Foot | 762 |
| 5th Grenadier Battalion | 627 |
| 8th Grenadier Battalion | 688 |
| 1st Btn, 8th Native Infantry | 724 |
| 2nd Btn, 18th Native Infantry | 744 |
| Total | 3,545 |
| Grand Total | 14,267 |
External Links
Gurkha War 1814-16 Wikipedia
Army of India Medal www.britishmedals.info
Historical books online
- Military Sketches of the Goorka War, in India, in the Years 1814, 1815, 1816 1822 Google Books
- Nepal Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India: Volume 4 North and North-Eastern Frontier tribes by Intelligence Branch Army Headquarters India 1907 Archive.org