Description
Indian Mutiny – 3rd battalion Bengal Europeans.
Indian Mutiny , No clasp, John Foley, 3rd Bengl Eurpn Regt
John Foley served with the 3rd Bengal European Regiment during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. When the rebellion began on 10 May, the 3rd Bengal European Regiment was stationed at Agra along with the 44th and 67th Regiments of Bengal Native Infantry. The local commanders disarmed the two Bengal Native Infantry regiments on 31 May to forestall any rising on their part, although they do not appear to have been overtly hostile. As unrest continued to spread and about 6000 refugees descended upon Agra, taking shelter in the Agra Fort. However an uprising in the city left the British troops and refugees blockaded behind the Fort’s walls.
After a three month siege the bulk of the rebel forces left the city to take part in the fighting at Delhi where they were eventually defeated. The 3rd attempted a breakout of 5 July but were defeated and forced back behind the defences. However by 8 July the city had emptied enough for them to restore at least some semblance of order. By September the mutineer forces in Delhi had been defeated and on 11 October 1857 Agra was relieved. A battle was fought between the relief column and an ambushing force loyal to the mutineers. However despite the advantage of surprise on the part of the mutineers, the British column succeeded in driving their attackers off. The bulk of casualties suffered by the 3rd Bengal European Regiment were taken during the attempted break out on the 5th July.
Condition – GVF, Contact marks and some edge nicks.
