Difference between revisions of "Bengal Army"

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==FIBIS resources==
 
==FIBIS resources==
*FIBIS database: [https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=1135&s_id=340 Registers of Bengal Army European Soldiers] Currently (2017/6/16) consists of  IOR/L/MIL/10/122-123, 1790-1839 but additional years are to follow.
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*FIBIS database: [http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=1135&s_id=340 Registers of Bengal Army European Soldiers] Currently (2017/6/16) consists of  IOR/L/MIL/10/122-123, 1790-1839 but additional years are to follow.
*FIBIS database: [https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=679&s_id=137  Soldiers’ and Widows’ Pension details -1896] IOR/ L/MIL/14/214 & 215. Includes  previous members of the Bengal,[[Madras Army|Madras]] and  [[Bombay Army|Bombay Armies]], including men from the [[Unattached List]]. May also include a few members of the [[Indian Army]] which officially was formed in 1895.  These records are available on LDS microfilm 2029979 Items 1-2  ([https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/774116 catalogue entry]), however the FIBIS database record contains all the information available in the microfilm.<ref>Bailey, Peter [https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/list/india@rootsweb.com/thread/785900/ Army Records] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 20 March 2012. Retrieved  6 September 2018.</ref>
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*FIBIS database: [http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=679&s_id=137  Soldiers’ and Widows’ Pension details -1896] IOR/ L/MIL/14/214 & 215. Includes  previous members of the Bengal,[[Madras Army|Madras]] and  [[Bombay Army|Bombay Armies]], including men from the [[Unattached List]]. May also include a few members of the [[Indian Army]] which officially was formed in 1895.  These records are available on LDS microfilm 2029979 Items 1-2  ([https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/774116 catalogue entry]), however the FIBIS database record contains all the information available in the microfilm.<ref>Bailey, Peter. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210121072123/https://mlarchives.rootsweb.com/listindexes/emails?listname=india&thread=785900 Army Records] ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 20 March 2012, archived.</ref>
*FIBIS database: [https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_dataset&id=2159&s_id=1117 Applications for Cadetships in the EIC Armies (Index)]  includes Bengal Army. These are records for officers.
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*FIBIS database: [https://search.fibis.org/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=list_sources&source_class=407 Applications for Cadetships in the EIC Armies (Index)]  includes Bengal Army. These are records for officers.
*FIBIS database: [https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=152&s_id=39 List of the Officers of the Bengal Army, 1758-1834] Index to book of same name by V. C .P. Hodson, 4 vols. Recommended on [http://wiki.fibis.org/index.php/Military_reading_list#HEIC_armies Fibiwiki Military Reading List]. Also see Books, below.
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*FIBIS database: [http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=152&s_id=39 List of the Officers of the Bengal Army, 1758-1834] Index to book of same name by V. C .P. Hodson, 4 vols. Recommended on [http://wiki.fibis.org/index.php/Military_reading_list#HEIC_armies Fibiwiki Military Reading List]. Also see Books, below.
*FIBIS database: [https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=378&s_id=14  War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army 1863]. Transcriptions from the book  ''Ubique : War Services of all the Officers of HM's Bengal Army'' by Thomas C Anderson 1863. This book is available online on a pay website, and on LDS microfilm 2105290 Item 2 ([https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/819733?availability=Family%20History%20Library catalogue entry]), however Peter Bailey has advised the FIBIS database record contains all the information available in the microfilm.
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*FIBIS database: [https://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=1305 Alphabetical List of the Officers of the Bengal Army from 1760 to 1834] compiled by Dodwell and Miles. Also see Books below.
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*FIBIS database: [http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=378&s_id=14  War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army 1863]. Transcriptions from the book  ''Ubique : War Services of all the Officers of HM's Bengal Army'' by Thomas C Anderson 1863. This book is available online on a pay website, and on LDS microfilm 2105290 Item 2 ([https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/819733 catalogue entry]), however Peter Bailey has advised the FIBIS database record contains all the information available in the microfilm.
 
*"Edward Squibb-Letters from a Bengal Cadet" by Charles Gordon Clark  ''FIBIS Journal Number 28 (Autumn 2012)'' pages 15-24. Edward Squibb arrived in 1820. See [[FIBIS Journals]] for details of how to access this article
 
*"Edward Squibb-Letters from a Bengal Cadet" by Charles Gordon Clark  ''FIBIS Journal Number 28 (Autumn 2012)'' pages 15-24. Edward Squibb arrived in 1820. See [[FIBIS Journals]] for details of how to access this article
 
*"The Clark Brothers - Life in the Bengal Army" by Charles Gordon Clark  ''FIBIS Journal Number 29 (Spring 2013)'' pages 3-14. Gordon Wyatt Clark arrived in 1842 age 20. See [[FIBIS Journals]] for details of how to access this article
 
*"The Clark Brothers - Life in the Bengal Army" by Charles Gordon Clark  ''FIBIS Journal Number 29 (Spring 2013)'' pages 3-14. Gordon Wyatt Clark arrived in 1842 age 20. See [[FIBIS Journals]] for details of how to access this article
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==Records==
 
==Records==
Main article: [[East India Company Army]]
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'''Main article: [[East India Company Army]]'''
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Includes details of Embarkation records.
  
 
===British Library===
 
===British Library===
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:*'''L/MIL/10/301-326''' Bengal Army Discharges, 1820-1882. The FamilySearch [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/644811 catalogue] provides additional information about these records: "Between 1859-1861 the EIC European forces (of which the Bengal Army was a part of) were transferred to the British Army. Discharge papers are for those men who chose to take an unpensioned discharge rather than be transferred into the regular British Army".
 
:*'''L/MIL/10/301-326''' Bengal Army Discharges, 1820-1882. The FamilySearch [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/644811 catalogue] provides additional information about these records: "Between 1859-1861 the EIC European forces (of which the Bengal Army was a part of) were transferred to the British Army. Discharge papers are for those men who chose to take an unpensioned discharge rather than be transferred into the regular British Army".
  
:'''FamilySearch''' ([[LDS]] (Mormons)) have filmed many of these records, most of which are  now available as digitised microfilm. [https://familysearch.org/catalog/search Search the FamilySearch catalogue] by entering keywords such as Bengal Army. In particular, [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/695515 “Registers of Bengal Army European soldiers, 1788-1860”] and  [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/644896 “Bengal Army muster rolls and casualty returns, 1716-1860”] are available.
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:'''FamilySearch''' ([[LDS]] (Mormons)) have filmed many of these records, most of which are  now available as digitised microfilm. [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog Search the FamilySearch catalogue] by entering keywords such as Bengal Army. In particular, [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/695515 “Registers of Bengal Army European soldiers, 1788-1860”] and  [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/644896 “Bengal Army muster rolls and casualty returns, 1716-1860”] are available.
:'''Note''': Microfilm ordering services ceased September 2017,  however selected microfilms have been digitised and  are currently available for viewing on a FamilySearch computer at a FamilySearch Centre or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.  Locate these records through the FamilySearch catalogue. It is expected that in time all microfilms will be similarly available in this format. See '''[[FamilySearch Centres]]''' for '''viewing details'''.
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:'''Note''': Microfilm ordering services ceased September 2017,  however most microfilms have been digitised and  are currently available for viewing on a FamilySearch computer at a FamilySearch Centre or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.  Locate these records through the FamilySearch catalogue. See '''[[FamilySearch Centres]]''' for '''viewing details'''.
 
*[http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/browse/r/h/6676bb2e-0366-44b1-8068-b31d156396d2  Military Department Library: Bengal Army  '''IOR/L/MIL/17/2''']  1791-1903 includes
 
*[http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/browse/r/h/6676bb2e-0366-44b1-8068-b31d156396d2  Military Department Library: Bengal Army  '''IOR/L/MIL/17/2''']  1791-1903 includes
 
**Bengal Army List  '''IOR/L/MIL/17/2/1-267'''  1819-1889
 
**Bengal Army List  '''IOR/L/MIL/17/2/1-267'''  1819-1889
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*''List of the Officers of the Bengal Army, 1758-1834'' by V. C .P. Hodson, 4 vols. (London, 1927-47) Note that the dates refer to the date of joining the Army.  Alphabetically arranged and annotated with biographical and genealogical notices, giving details of: (1) rank and brief career history (2) family information (3) service records: regiments or battalions in which the officer served (4) references to wills if they exist, to monumental inscriptions, or to mentions in publications. These volumes are now available online, refer below. The [[British Library]]  shelfmark is OIR.355.332.
 
*''List of the Officers of the Bengal Army, 1758-1834'' by V. C .P. Hodson, 4 vols. (London, 1927-47) Note that the dates refer to the date of joining the Army.  Alphabetically arranged and annotated with biographical and genealogical notices, giving details of: (1) rank and brief career history (2) family information (3) service records: regiments or battalions in which the officer served (4) references to wills if they exist, to monumental inscriptions, or to mentions in publications. These volumes are now available online, refer below. The [[British Library]]  shelfmark is OIR.355.332.
 
*:A description of the fascinating information contained in the appendices is explained in [http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/untoldlives/2012/03/bengal-army-officers-names-nationalities-fatalities-and-a-phantom.html Bengal army officers names nationalities fatalities and a phantom] Untold Lives blog of the British Library.  
 
*:A description of the fascinating information contained in the appendices is explained in [http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/untoldlives/2012/03/bengal-army-officers-names-nationalities-fatalities-and-a-phantom.html Bengal army officers names nationalities fatalities and a phantom] Untold Lives blog of the British Library.  
*:FIBIS has transcribed the indexes of these books, which are available on the [https://search.fibis.org/frontis/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=152&s_id=39 FIBIS database].   
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*:FIBIS has transcribed the indexes of these books, which are available on the [http://fibis.ourarchives.online/bin/aps_browse_sources.php?mode=browse_components&id=152&s_id=39 FIBIS database].   
*:The [[LDS]] (Mormon) Family History Library  filmed the above books ([https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/281774  catalogue entry]), which currently (2018/09) are only partially available as digitised microfilm. It had been recommended that all three LDS films be viewed, as there is a lot of cross referencing. <ref>Murphy, Sylvia  [https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/list/india@rootsweb.com/thread/12901327/ ''Author - Major VCP Hodson''] Scroll down. ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 11 Sept 2000. Retrieved 6 September 2018.</ref> See [[FamilySearch Centres]] for access information. However, while ever online versions of the volumes are available, it is unlikely the microfilms will need to be consulted.
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*:The [[LDS]] (Mormon) Family History Library  filmed the above books ([https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/281774  catalogue entry]), which are now available as digitised microfilm. It had been recommended that all three LDS films be viewed, as there is a lot of cross referencing. <ref>Murphy, Sylvia. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210121072018/https://mlarchives.rootsweb.com/listindexes/emails?listname=india&thread=12901327 ''Author - Major VCP Hodson''] Scroll down. ''Rootsweb India Mailing List'' 11 Sept 2000, archived.</ref> See [[FamilySearch Centres]] for access information. However, while ever online versions of the volumes are available, it is unlikely the microfilms will need to be consulted.
*''Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army'' by T.C. Anderson, originally published 1863, is available in reprint editions,<ref>[https://www.naval-military-press.com/product/ubiquewar-services-of-all-the-officers-of-h-m-s-bengal-army-1863/ Naval and Military Press], [http://www.savannahpublications.com/info.php?itemid=99 Savannah Publications], London. </ref> and online on  a pay website, refer below. Note  data from this book is available on the FIBIS database, refer [[Bengal Army#Fibis resources|above]].
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*''Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army'' by T.C. Anderson, originally published 1863, is available in reprint editions,<ref name=Ubi>[https://www.naval-military-press.com/product/ubiquewar-services-of-all-the-officers-of-h-m-s-bengal-army-1863/ ''Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army''] by T.C. Anderson 1863. Naval & Military Press reprint.</ref><ref> [http://www.savannahpublications.com/info.php?itemid=99 Savannah Publications], London.</ref> and online on  a pay website, refer below. Note  data from this book is available on the FIBIS database, refer [[Bengal Army#Fibis resources|above]].
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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*[https://digitalcollections.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/11262/1/Stanley_P.A._1993.pdf  ''White Mutiny: the Bengal Europeans, 1825-75, a study in military social history''] by Peter Alan Stanley. A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of The Australian National University, March 1993, whose aim was "to connect the military and social history of mid-Victorian Britain through a study of the East India Company's Bengal European regiments and their demise following the 'white mutiny' of 1859-60". Pdf download. Depending on your browser, you may need to locate it in your downloads folder. There was also a book published,  see below.
 
*[https://digitalcollections.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/11262/1/Stanley_P.A._1993.pdf  ''White Mutiny: the Bengal Europeans, 1825-75, a study in military social history''] by Peter Alan Stanley. A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of The Australian National University, March 1993, whose aim was "to connect the military and social history of mid-Victorian Britain through a study of the East India Company's Bengal European regiments and their demise following the 'white mutiny' of 1859-60". Pdf download. Depending on your browser, you may need to locate it in your downloads folder. There was also a book published,  see below.
 
*[http://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/1742 ''The Bengal Army and the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny''] by  Julian Saul Markham David 2001. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.
 
*[http://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/1742 ''The Bengal Army and the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny''] by  Julian Saul Markham David 2001. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.
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*[https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:245603/ Ink and wash drawing : Native troops East India Company's Service. A Sergeant & a Private Grenadier Sepoy of the Bengal Army"] by  Charles Hamilton Smith 1815. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library
  
 
===Historical books online===
 
===Historical books online===
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:[http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3624 Part I], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3669 Part II], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3562 Part III], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3492 Part IV]. Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. Archive.org mirror versions: [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3624/page/n1/mode/2up Part I], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3669/mode/2up Part II], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3562/page/n1/mode/2up Part III], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3492/page/n1/mode/2up Part IV].
 
:[http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3624 Part I], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3669 Part II], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3562 Part III], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/3492 Part IV]. Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. Archive.org mirror versions: [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3624/page/n1/mode/2up Part I], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3669/mode/2up Part II], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3562/page/n1/mode/2up Part III], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3492/page/n1/mode/2up Part IV].
 
:Alternative files  [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/6933 Part I], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/5476 Part II], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/6471 Part III],  [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/8673 Part IV]. All Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. Archive.org mirror versions: [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.6933/page/n1/mode/2up Part I], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.5476/page/n1/mode/2up Part II], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.6471/mode/2up Part III], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.8673/page/n1/mode/2up Part IV].  
 
:Alternative files  [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/6933 Part I], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/5476 Part II], [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/6471 Part III],  [http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/8673 Part IV]. All Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. Archive.org mirror versions: [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.6933/page/n1/mode/2up Part I], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.5476/page/n1/mode/2up Part II], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.6471/mode/2up Part III], [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.8673/page/n1/mode/2up Part IV].  
*''Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army'' by T.C. Anderson, originally published 1863, is available in a reprint edition from Naval & Military Press, which is in turn available on the Ancestry owned [https://www.fold3.com/browse/251/hTGb85NZ8EamDdOvsp9fW0AfE pay website fold3] located in International/Military Books/India. Note data from this book is available on the FIBIS database, refer [[Bengal Army#Fibis resources|above]].
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*''Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army'' by T.C. Anderson was  originally published 1863 in Calcutta, in a limited edition of 150 copies<ref>[https://primoa.library.unsw.edu.au/permalink/f/ri8pk2/UNSW_ALMA21145135290001731 UNSW Library catalogue]</ref> with 668 pages including eleven  appendices, and provides service and biographical details of the British Officers of the Bengal Army serving in 1861.  It is available in a reprint edition from Naval & Military Press<ref name=Ubi/> ("It is an essential source of information to supplement Major Hodson’s four volumes") which is in turn available on the Ancestry owned [https://www.fold3.com/browse/251/hTGb85NZ8EamDdOvsp9fW0AfE pay website fold3] located in Military Books/India. Note data from this book is available on the FIBIS database, refer [[Bengal Army#Fibis resources|above]].
:''Ubique: War Services...'' is also available as a FamilySearch digitised microfilm, [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/819733 catalogue entry], viewable at a [[FamilySearch Centres|FamilySearch Centre]] or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.
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:''Ubique: War Services...'' is also available as a FamilySearch digitised microfilm, [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/819733 catalogue entry], viewable at a [[FamilySearch Centres|FamilySearch Centre]] or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.  This appears to be a microfilm of a 1985 reprint edition.
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*[https://archive.org/details/narrativemutiny00stragoog/page/n6/mode/2up  ''Narrative of the Mutiny of the Officers of the Army in Bengal in the year 1766''] by Henry Strachey, Secretary to Lord Clive during his last Expedition to India, and lately given in Evidence to the Secret Committee of the House of Commons. 1773 Archive.org.
 
*[https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3463/mode/2up ''Soldiering in India 1764-1787: extracts from journals and letters left by Lt. Colonel Allen Macpherson and Lt. Colonel John Macpherson of the East India Company's Service''] by William Charles Macpherson, formerly of the Indian Civil Service. 1928. Archive.org, mirror from Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi].
 
*[https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.3463/mode/2up ''Soldiering in India 1764-1787: extracts from journals and letters left by Lt. Colonel Allen Macpherson and Lt. Colonel John Macpherson of the East India Company's Service''] by William Charles Macpherson, formerly of the Indian Civil Service. 1928. Archive.org, mirror from Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi].
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*[https://archive.org/details/travelsofdeanmah0000maho/mode/2up ''The Travels of Dean Mahomet: An Eighteenth-Century Journey Through India''] Edited with an introduction and biographical essay by Michael H. Fisher 1997. Archive.org Books to Borrow/Lending Library. Born 1759,  Born 1759, Dean Mahomet appears to have become part of the Bengal Army 1769 after meeting a British Officer.
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**[https://archive.org/details/travelsofdeanmah0000maho/page/44/mode/2up Letter V] In 1771 troops are mobilised against the Marathas, page 44. Dean Mahomet would then have been age 12.
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:[http://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft4h4nb20n/ Transcribed version] cdlib.org
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:Originally published as [https://archive.org/details/b28742898 ''The Travels of Dean Mahomet, A Native of Patna in Bengal, Through Several Parts of India, While in the Service of The Honourable The East India Company Written by Himself, In a Series of Letters to a Friend''] 1794. Volumes I And II in one digital file [https://archive.org/details/b28742898/page/194/mode/2up Volume II]; [https://archive.org/details/b28742898/page/n27/mode/2up Contents, Vol. I], [https://archive.org/details/b28742898/page/196/mode/2up Contents, Vol. II] Archive.org.
 
*[http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/5499 ''A Sketch of the Services of the Bengal Native Army to the year 1895''] by F G Cardew 1903. Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.5499/page/n1/mode/2up Archive.org mirror version].   
 
*[http://cslrepository.nvli.in//handle/123456789/5499 ''A Sketch of the Services of the Bengal Native Army to the year 1895''] by F G Cardew 1903. Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. [https://archive.org/details/dli.csl.5499/page/n1/mode/2up Archive.org mirror version].   
 
*[https://archive.org/details/indianarmyunifor00carm/page/n7 ''Indian Army Uniforms under the British from the 18th century to 1947: Cavalry''] by W Y  Carman 1961. Archive.org Lending Library. Includes a [https://archive.org/details/indianarmyunifor00carm/page/232 Regimental index, page 232].
 
*[https://archive.org/details/indianarmyunifor00carm/page/n7 ''Indian Army Uniforms under the British from the 18th century to 1947: Cavalry''] by W Y  Carman 1961. Archive.org Lending Library. Includes a [https://archive.org/details/indianarmyunifor00carm/page/232 Regimental index, page 232].
 
: ''Indian Army Uniforms'' by W Y  Carman 1969. Full title: ''Indian Army Uniforms under the British from the 18th century to 1947 : Artillery, Engineers and Infantry''.  [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.131698  Archive.org version], mirror from Digital Library of India. Note: Original colour plates are in black and white and most illustrations are of poor quality.
 
: ''Indian Army Uniforms'' by W Y  Carman 1969. Full title: ''Indian Army Uniforms under the British from the 18th century to 1947 : Artillery, Engineers and Infantry''.  [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.131698  Archive.org version], mirror from Digital Library of India. Note: Original colour plates are in black and white and most illustrations are of poor quality.
:[http://hdl.handle.net/10973/22964 ''Clothing regulations of the Bengal Army''] Calcutta Gazette office, Calcutta 1855. Link to a pdf, Digital Repository of GIPE (Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics [Pune India]). Clothing regulations are in respect of soldiers ("other ranks"), not officers, (who have dress regulations).
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:[https://dspace.gipe.ac.in/xmlui/handle/10973/22964 ''Clothing regulations of the Bengal Army''] Calcutta Gazette office, Calcutta 1855. Link to a pdf, Digital Repository of GIPE (Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics [Pune India]). Clothing regulations are in respect of soldiers ("other ranks"), not officers, (who have dress regulations).
 
*[https://archive.org/details/authenticabstrac00bengiala  ''Authentic Abstracts of Minutes in the Supreme Council of Bengal, on the late contracts for draught and carriage bullocks, for victualling the European troops, and for victualling Fort William : the augmentation of General Sir Eyre Coote's appointment, and continuation of Brigadier-General Stibbert's emoluments, though superseded in the chief command : and a remarkable treaty, offensive and defensive, with the Ranah of Gohud, a Marratta''] 1780 Archive.org
 
*[https://archive.org/details/authenticabstrac00bengiala  ''Authentic Abstracts of Minutes in the Supreme Council of Bengal, on the late contracts for draught and carriage bullocks, for victualling the European troops, and for victualling Fort William : the augmentation of General Sir Eyre Coote's appointment, and continuation of Brigadier-General Stibbert's emoluments, though superseded in the chief command : and a remarkable treaty, offensive and defensive, with the Ranah of Gohud, a Marratta''] 1780 Archive.org
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*[https://archive.org/details/bim_eighteenth-century_the-continuation-or-supp_east-india-company-army_1799_1/mode/2up ''The Code of Military  Standing Regulations of the Bengal Establishment''] compiled by Captain Henry Grace 1791. Archive.org. (Note, catalogued as Volume 1  of the following title)
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:[https://archive.org/details/bim_eighteenth-century_the-continuation-or-supp_east-india-company-army_1799_2/mode/2up ''The Continuation or Supplement, of The Code of Bengal Military Regulations'']  by Captain Henry Grace 1799. Archive.org
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=IZFeAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP7 ''The New Regulations for the Bengal Army ; According to the Minutes of the Council and General Orders Issued in Fort William During the Months of May and June 1796''] Google Books
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=IZFeAAAAcAAJ&pg=PP7 ''The New Regulations for the Bengal Army ; According to the Minutes of the Council and General Orders Issued in Fort William During the Months of May and June 1796''] Google Books
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PP9 ''An historical account of the rise and progress of the Bengal Native Infantry, from its first formation in 1757, to 1796 when the present regulations took place, together with a detail of the services on which the several battalions have been employed'']  by the late Captain John Williams, Bengal Army, 1817 Google Books. The following coloured illustrations have been noted: [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PP8 Subadar], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA170-IA2 Grenadier Sepoy], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA330-IA2 Light Infantry Sepoy]
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PP9 ''An historical account of the rise and progress of the Bengal Native Infantry, from its first formation in 1757, to 1796 when the present regulations took place, together with a detail of the services on which the several battalions have been employed'']  by the late Captain John Williams, Bengal Army, 1817 Google Books. The following coloured illustrations have been noted: [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PP8 Subadar], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA170-IA2 Grenadier Sepoy], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=yWIUAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA330-IA2 Light Infantry Sepoy]
Line 86: Line 97:
 
**[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.111320/page/n1  ''(Military Series) Vol.21 1797-1800''] Edited by Sita Ram Kohli.  1968. Letters to and  from the Military Department
 
**[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.111320/page/n1  ''(Military Series) Vol.21 1797-1800''] Edited by Sita Ram Kohli.  1968. Letters to and  from the Military Department
 
**Available at the [[British Library]] UIN: BLL01009529821 which includes (Military series) v. 19. 1787-1791  ed. by B. Prasad.
 
**Available at the [[British Library]] UIN: BLL01009529821 which includes (Military series) v. 19. 1787-1791  ed. by B. Prasad.
 +
*[https://archive.org/details/journalofsociety0002soci_g6u6/page/130/mode/2up "The Baraset Cadet College, East Indies"] by Major V Hodson, Indian Army (Retired List] page 130 ''Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research. Vol. 2 : 1923'', reprint edition 1974. Archive.org Books to Borrow/Lending Library. Also available in [https://archive.org/details/journal-of-the-society-for-army-historical-research-vol-1-1921-vol-2-1923/page/129/mode/2up another version Archive.org].  Also available [https://www.jstor.org/stable/44232059 Jstor.org version], register and read for free. (Limit per month applies). Located 16 miles from Calcutta, the Baraset College was inaugurated towards the end of 1803, closed 1803-1805 during the Mahratta War, reopened 1806 and finally closed 1 September 1811 due to the bad behaviour of many of the students.
 
*[https://books.google.com.au/books?id=lYTcRScE2JQC&pg=PR1 ''Inquiry into the state of the Indian Army : with suggestions for its improvement and the establishment of a military police for India''] by Walter Badenach, Captain Bengal Army 1826 Google Books
 
*[https://books.google.com.au/books?id=lYTcRScE2JQC&pg=PR1 ''Inquiry into the state of the Indian Army : with suggestions for its improvement and the establishment of a military police for India''] by Walter Badenach, Captain Bengal Army 1826 Google Books
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=scJCAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1 ''A collection of facts and documents relative to batta, &c. with other pending questions concerning the Indian Army, compiled from the proceedings of the East India officers A.D. 1793 to 1796, the general orders and other official sources; with short arguments and marginal notes for current use'']. Calcutta , Samuel Smith and Co. 1829 Google Books
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=scJCAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA1 ''A collection of facts and documents relative to batta, &c. with other pending questions concerning the Indian Army, compiled from the proceedings of the East India officers A.D. 1793 to 1796, the general orders and other official sources; with short arguments and marginal notes for current use'']. Calcutta , Samuel Smith and Co. 1829 Google Books
Line 102: Line 114:
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=lYQIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PP7  ''First Annual Report of the Sanitary Commission for Bengal, 1864-65''] Google Books. Mainly in respect of the Army
 
*[http://books.google.com.au/books?id=lYQIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PP7  ''First Annual Report of the Sanitary Commission for Bengal, 1864-65''] Google Books. Mainly in respect of the Army
 
*[http://www.archive.org/stream/medicalandsanit00unkngoog#page/n4/mode/1up  ''Medical And Sanitary Report of the Native  Army of Bengal for the year 1875''] Archive.org
 
*[http://www.archive.org/stream/medicalandsanit00unkngoog#page/n4/mode/1up  ''Medical And Sanitary Report of the Native  Army of Bengal for the year 1875''] Archive.org
*[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.38444 ''From Sepoy to Subadar: Being the Life and Adventures of a  Native Officer of the Bengal Army Written And Related By Himself'']. 3rd edition 1911,  edited by Lieutenant-Colonel D. C. Phillott. Translated and first published by Lieutenant-Colonel Norgate, Bengal Staff Corps at Lahore, 1873. Archive.org, Digital Library of India Collection. Article about the book: [http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/chronicles-of-sita-ram-112101300054_1.html "Chronicles of Sita Ram"] by Bhupesh Bhandari  October 13, 2012 ''Business Standard''. The author enlisted in 1812 and retired in 1860. "There has been a great debate amongst historians about the authenticity of Sita Ram’s accounts... [but It] is a fantastic insider’s account of life in the battlefields and the barracks".
+
*[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.38444 ''From Sepoy to Subadar: Being the Life and Adventures of a  Native Officer of the Bengal Army Written And Related By Himself'']. 3rd edition 1911,  edited by Lieutenant-Colonel D. C. Phillott. Translated and first published by Lieutenant-Colonel Norgate, Bengal Staff Corps at Lahore, 1873. Archive.org, Digital Library of India Collection.
 +
:[https://archive.org/details/fromsepoytosubed0000unse/mode/2up 1988 reprint of 1970 edition] title ''From sepoy to subedar : being the life and adventures of Subedar Sita Ram, a native officer of the Bengal Army written and related by himself'' edited by James Lunt, illustrated by Frank Wilson. Archive.org Books to Borrow.
 +
:Article about the book: [http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/chronicles-of-sita-ram-112101300054_1.html "Chronicles of Sita Ram"] by Bhupesh Bhandari  October 13, 2012 ''Business Standard''. The author enlisted in 1812 and retired in 1860. "There has been a great debate amongst historians about the authenticity of Sita Ram’s accounts... [but It] is a fantastic insider’s account of life in the battlefields and the barracks".
 
*''Memoir of the late Lieut.-Colonel Richard Scott (From his Private Journals)'' from ''The Naval and Military Magazine Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4'' 1827-1828 Google Books  
 
*''Memoir of the late Lieut.-Colonel Richard Scott (From his Private Journals)'' from ''The Naval and Military Magazine Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4'' 1827-1828 Google Books  
 
:[http://books.google.com/books?id=sIQEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA147 Part 1– Appointed 1768], [http://books.google.com/books?id=sIQEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA382 Part 2- Sir Eyre Coote's Campaigns of 1781, 1782, and 1783], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=hZoMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA49 Part 3-  Campaigns in India –includes General Stuart's Operations; General Goddard's March; and the Proceedings of the Bombay Army and its Government],  [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=hZoMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA396  Part 4- includes Popham’s Capture of Gwalior;  General Goddard’s Operations, Campaigns of Lord Cornwallis, Siege of Bangalore], [http://books.google.com/books?id=PYcEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA4  Part 5 March to Seringapatum], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=upkMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA12 Part 6], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=upkMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA353 Part 7]
 
:[http://books.google.com/books?id=sIQEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA147 Part 1– Appointed 1768], [http://books.google.com/books?id=sIQEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA382 Part 2- Sir Eyre Coote's Campaigns of 1781, 1782, and 1783], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=hZoMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA49 Part 3-  Campaigns in India –includes General Stuart's Operations; General Goddard's March; and the Proceedings of the Bombay Army and its Government],  [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=hZoMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA396  Part 4- includes Popham’s Capture of Gwalior;  General Goddard’s Operations, Campaigns of Lord Cornwallis, Siege of Bangalore], [http://books.google.com/books?id=PYcEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA4  Part 5 March to Seringapatum], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=upkMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA12 Part 6], [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=upkMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA353 Part 7]
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Latest revision as of 21:37, 13 March 2024

Bengal Army
5th & 6th Lt. Infantry.jpg
Bengal Army
List of Bengal Army Regiments
Bengal Infantry Regiments
Bengal Infantry Finder tool
Bengal Artillery
Bengal Horse Artillery
Bengal Sappers and Miners
East India Company Army

The Bengal Army was one of the three Presidency Armies of the East India Company.

A list of Bengal Army regiments can either be found in the Bengal Army Category or alphabetically, by type, in Bengal Army Regiments.

Divisions

FIBIS resources

See Also

The Batta Mutiny of 1766

Records

Main article: East India Company Army

Includes details of Embarkation records.

British Library

Records available in the British Library India Office holdings include:

Subcategories
  • L/MIL/10/1-19 Bengal Army Lists, 1781-1849.
  • L/MIL/10/20-69 Bengal Service Army Lists, 1759-1858
  • L/MIL/10/70-74 Bengal Service Army Lists – Medical, c1765-1858
  • L/MIL/10/75-102 Bengal Services, 1860-1893
  • IOR/L/MIL/10/122-129 Registers of Bengal Army European Soldiers 1788-1860. Please note that these records were commenced in 1831 and only contain men still serving in the Army at that date. They are the recommended records to look at initially for men serving from 1831. If a man left the Army prior to 1831 for any reason, including death, he will not appear in these records. The Muster records are an alternative source of information.
Update June 2017. Some transcribed records in this series are now available in the FIBIS database. Refer FIBIS resources above.
  • The Muster Rolls commence IOR/L/MIL/10/130-185
  • L/MIL/10/301-326 Bengal Army Discharges, 1820-1882. The FamilySearch catalogue provides additional information about these records: "Between 1859-1861 the EIC European forces (of which the Bengal Army was a part of) were transferred to the British Army. Discharge papers are for those men who chose to take an unpensioned discharge rather than be transferred into the regular British Army".
FamilySearch (LDS (Mormons)) have filmed many of these records, most of which are now available as digitised microfilm. Search the FamilySearch catalogue by entering keywords such as Bengal Army. In particular, “Registers of Bengal Army European soldiers, 1788-1860” and “Bengal Army muster rolls and casualty returns, 1716-1860” are available.
Note: Microfilm ordering services ceased September 2017, however most microfilms have been digitised and are currently available for viewing on a FamilySearch computer at a FamilySearch Centre or FamilySearch Affiliate Library. Locate these records through the FamilySearch catalogue. See FamilySearch Centres for viewing details.
  • Military Department Library: Bengal Army IOR/L/MIL/17/2 1791-1903 includes
    • Bengal Army List IOR/L/MIL/17/2/1-267 1819-1889
    • Bengal Army: General and Regimental Histories, Biographical Compilations, Indian Mutiny IOR/L/MIL/17/2/474-505 1845-1927
  • Soldiers’ and Officers’ Wills IOR/L/AG/34/30 1825-1881 (varies according to Presidency and whether a soldier or an officer). These records are available on findmypast

Books

  • List of the Officers of the Bengal Army, 1758-1834 by V. C .P. Hodson, 4 vols. (London, 1927-47) Note that the dates refer to the date of joining the Army. Alphabetically arranged and annotated with biographical and genealogical notices, giving details of: (1) rank and brief career history (2) family information (3) service records: regiments or battalions in which the officer served (4) references to wills if they exist, to monumental inscriptions, or to mentions in publications. These volumes are now available online, refer below. The British Library shelfmark is OIR.355.332.
    A description of the fascinating information contained in the appendices is explained in Bengal army officers names nationalities fatalities and a phantom Untold Lives blog of the British Library.
    FIBIS has transcribed the indexes of these books, which are available on the FIBIS database.
    The LDS (Mormon) Family History Library filmed the above books (catalogue entry), which are now available as digitised microfilm. It had been recommended that all three LDS films be viewed, as there is a lot of cross referencing. [2] See FamilySearch Centres for access information. However, while ever online versions of the volumes are available, it is unlikely the microfilms will need to be consulted.
  • Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army by T.C. Anderson, originally published 1863, is available in reprint editions,[3][4] and online on a pay website, refer below. Note data from this book is available on the FIBIS database, refer above.

External links

Historical books online

Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV. Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. Archive.org mirror versions: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.
Alternative files Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV. All Central Secretariat Library (CSL) [Delhi] Digital Repository. Archive.org mirror versions: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.
  • Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army by T.C. Anderson was originally published 1863 in Calcutta, in a limited edition of 150 copies[5] with 668 pages including eleven appendices, and provides service and biographical details of the British Officers of the Bengal Army serving in 1861. It is available in a reprint edition from Naval & Military Press[3] ("It is an essential source of information to supplement Major Hodson’s four volumes") which is in turn available on the Ancestry owned pay website fold3 located in Military Books/India. Note data from this book is available on the FIBIS database, refer above.
Ubique: War Services... is also available as a FamilySearch digitised microfilm, catalogue entry, viewable at a FamilySearch Centre or FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This appears to be a microfilm of a 1985 reprint edition.
Transcribed version cdlib.org
Originally published as The Travels of Dean Mahomet, A Native of Patna in Bengal, Through Several Parts of India, While in the Service of The Honourable The East India Company Written by Himself, In a Series of Letters to a Friend 1794. Volumes I And II in one digital file Volume II; Contents, Vol. I, Contents, Vol. II Archive.org.
Indian Army Uniforms by W Y Carman 1969. Full title: Indian Army Uniforms under the British from the 18th century to 1947 : Artillery, Engineers and Infantry. Archive.org version, mirror from Digital Library of India. Note: Original colour plates are in black and white and most illustrations are of poor quality.
Clothing regulations of the Bengal Army Calcutta Gazette office, Calcutta 1855. Link to a pdf, Digital Repository of GIPE (Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics [Pune India]). Clothing regulations are in respect of soldiers ("other ranks"), not officers, (who have dress regulations).
The Continuation or Supplement, of The Code of Bengal Military Regulations by Captain Henry Grace 1799. Archive.org
Also available British Library Digital. Images from the book British Library on flickr.com
‪Abstract of General Orders from 1846 to 1847 Inclusive with a preceding Index 1840-1847 Compiled by Captain O Cavanagh Delhi 1848 Google Books
Abstract of General Orders from 1847 to 1849 Inclusive Compiled by Captain O Cavanagh Delhi 1851
Abstract of General Orders for 1850-1851 with Index compiled by Captain O Cavanagh Delhi 1852
1988 reprint of 1970 edition title From sepoy to subedar : being the life and adventures of Subedar Sita Ram, a native officer of the Bengal Army written and related by himself edited by James Lunt, illustrated by Frank Wilson. Archive.org Books to Borrow.
Article about the book: "Chronicles of Sita Ram" by Bhupesh Bhandari October 13, 2012 Business Standard. The author enlisted in 1812 and retired in 1860. "There has been a great debate amongst historians about the authenticity of Sita Ram’s accounts... [but It] is a fantastic insider’s account of life in the battlefields and the barracks".
  • Memoir of the late Lieut.-Colonel Richard Scott (From his Private Journals) from The Naval and Military Magazine Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4 1827-1828 Google Books
Part 1– Appointed 1768, Part 2- Sir Eyre Coote's Campaigns of 1781, 1782, and 1783, Part 3- Campaigns in India –includes General Stuart's Operations; General Goddard's March; and the Proceedings of the Bombay Army and its Government, Part 4- includes Popham’s Capture of Gwalior; General Goddard’s Operations, Campaigns of Lord Cornwallis, Siege of Bangalore, Part 5 March to Seringapatum, Part 6, Part 7
"Lieutenant -Colonel Richard Scott" from The East India Military Calendar: Containing the Services of General and Field Officers of the Indian Army, Volume 1, page 315 by by John Philippart 1823 Google Books

References

  1. Bailey, Peter. Army Records Rootsweb India Mailing List 20 March 2012, archived.
  2. Murphy, Sylvia. Author - Major VCP Hodson Scroll down. Rootsweb India Mailing List 11 Sept 2000, archived.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Ubique: War Services of Officers of the Bengal Army by T.C. Anderson 1863. Naval & Military Press reprint.
  4. Savannah Publications, London.
  5. UNSW Library catalogue
  6. peterharrington.co.uk. Accessed 21 September 2016.