Battle of Kewtee

The Battle of Kewtee(Keutee) was a skirmish that occurred during the Indian Mutiny. A force of around 1000 sepoys had inflicted casualties on a mixed group of civilians and soldiers loyal to the British. A detachment of mounted sikhs, about 100 in number, led by Brigadier Peter Faddy, pursued them.

When they caught the mutineers, led by Lopal Singh, the mounted Sikhs did considerable damage killing over 100. Brigadier Faddy engaged Lopal Singh by sabres, but sustained a heavy blow to his temple which knocked him from his horse. Lopal Singh dismounted to finish the job, but Brigadier Faddy in spite of his serious wound had retained consciousness. Perhaps lulled into a false sense of security, his enemy being on his back and face covered in blood, Lopal Singh lacked caution. As the triumphant Indian bent toward him Brigadier Faddy put his remaining strength into a sudden upward thrust, which was obviously unexpected. The thrust went up under Lopal Singhs ribcage, killing him instantly. The rest of his men scattered.

For the success of the action and his personal courage Brigadier Faddy was presented with a sword inscribed with details of the action. The sword is on display in the armoury section of Auckland Museum.

Brigadier Faddy suffered long term mental difficulties as a result of the blow to his temple and was invalided out of the army. He died in Napier New Zealand in 1876.