Action at Sandeela

Action at Sandeela
Part of Indian Mutiny
Date:	4-8 October 1858
Location:	Sandila, Uttar Pradesh
Presidency:	Bengal
Co-ordinates:	27.08°N 80.52°E
Result:	British victory
Combatants
East India Company	Rebel Sepoys
Commanders
Capt Dawson Maj Maynard, 88th Regiment Brig G R Barker
Strength
1,400 infantry 500 irregular cavalry	12,000 cavalry and infantry 4 guns
Casualties
	Over 1,000

Summary

On 4 October 12,000 mutineers attacked the British post manned by Capt Dawson with 1,400 infantry and 500 cavalry. Dawson sent the cavalry away and defended a small mud fort for two days until Major Maynard arrived with a small force. On 7 October Brig Barker reached the fort with a strong column. The strengthened force pursued the mutineers through thick jungle the next day and a number of engagements were fought. Private Charles Anderson and Trumpeter Thomas Monaghan won VCs.

Major Maynard's Column

• 120 bayonets 88th Regiment of Foot
• 600 7th Oude Police Infantry
• 278 sabres 5th Oudh Police Cavalry
• 460 sabres 2nd Oudh Police Cavalry
• No 12 Battery Bengal Artillery (two 9-pounder guns)
• Royal Artillery (two 5.5" mortars)

Brigadier Barker's Column

• 200 bayonets 88th Regiment of Foot
• 100 bayonets 3rd Batt The Rifle Brigade
• 200 sabres 2nd Dragoon Guards
• 25 sabres Hodson's Horse
• No 12 Battery (2 guns)

Spelling Variants

Modern name: Sandila
Variants:Sandeela

External Links

Action at Sundeela Google Books
Despatch from Major Maynard Google Books
Deapatch from Brig Barker Google Books
VC entry in London Gazette London Gazette
Thomas Monaghan's grave www.victoriacross.org.uk