Tempo:
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HISTORY OF THE SIKHS
276 1846-6.
chap, ix
they immediately began to throw up banks of earth before their guns, where not otherwise protected, such as would afford some cover to themselves and
soldiers,
some impediment to their assailants. An immewas inevitable, and the British commander promptly gave the order for battle. The regiments of cavalry which headed the advance opened their glittering ranks to the right and left, and made offer
diate collision
apparent the serried battalions of infantry and the frowning batteries of cannon. The scene was magnificent and yet overawing the eye included the whole field, and glanced approvingly from the steady order of one foe to the even array of the other; all bespoke gladness of mind and strength of heart; but beneath the elate looks of the advancing warriors there lurked that fierce desire for the death of his fellows which must ever impel the valiant soldier. When thus deployed, the lines of battle were not truly parallel. The Sikh line inclined towards and extended beyond the British right, while the other flanks were, for a time, comparatively distant. The English had scarcely halted during their march of eight miles, even to form their :
line; but the Sikhs nevertheless commenced the action.
was perceived by Sir Harry Smith that the capture of the village of Aliwal was of the first importance, and the right of the infantry was led against it. deadly struggle seemed impending; for the Sikh ranks wete steady and the play of their guns incessant; but the holders of the post were battalions of hill-men, raised because their demeanour was sober, and their hearts indifferent to the Khalsa, and after firing a straggling volley, they fled in confusion, headed by Ranjor Singh, their immediate leader, and leaving the brave Sikh artillerymen to be slaughtered by the conquerors. The British cavalry of the right made at the same time a sweeping and successful charge, and onehalf of the opposing army was fairly broken and dispersed; but the "Sikhs on their own right seemed to be outflanking their opponents in spite of the exertions of the English infantry and artillery; for there the more regular battalions were in line, and the true Sikh prompt and powerful effort was not easily cowed. regiment of European lancers,^ and a necessary, was supported by one of Indian cavalry, was launched against the even ranks of the Lahore infantry. The Sikhs knelt to receive the orderly but impetuous charge of the English warriors, moved alike by noble
It
A
A
[1
H.M.'s 16th Lancers, under Col. Cureton.
Ed.]
.
HISTORY OF THE SIKHS
276 1846-6.
chap, ix
they immediately began to throw up banks of earth before their guns, where not otherwise protected, such as would afford some cover to themselves and
soldiers,
some impediment to their assailants. An immewas inevitable, and the British commander promptly gave the order for battle. The regiments of cavalry which headed the advance opened their glittering ranks to the right and left, and made offer
diate collision
apparent the serried battalions of infantry and the frowning batteries of cannon. The scene was magnificent and yet overawing the eye included the whole field, and glanced approvingly from the steady order of one foe to the even array of the other; all bespoke gladness of mind and strength of heart; but beneath the elate looks of the advancing warriors there lurked that fierce desire for the death of his fellows which must ever impel the valiant soldier. When thus deployed, the lines of battle were not truly parallel. The Sikh line inclined towards and extended beyond the British right, while the other flanks were, for a time, comparatively distant. The English had scarcely halted during their march of eight miles, even to form their :
line; but the Sikhs nevertheless commenced the action.
was perceived by Sir Harry Smith that the capture of the village of Aliwal was of the first importance, and the right of the infantry was led against it. deadly struggle seemed impending; for the Sikh ranks wete steady and the play of their guns incessant; but the holders of the post were battalions of hill-men, raised because their demeanour was sober, and their hearts indifferent to the Khalsa, and after firing a straggling volley, they fled in confusion, headed by Ranjor Singh, their immediate leader, and leaving the brave Sikh artillerymen to be slaughtered by the conquerors. The British cavalry of the right made at the same time a sweeping and successful charge, and onehalf of the opposing army was fairly broken and dispersed; but the "Sikhs on their own right seemed to be outflanking their opponents in spite of the exertions of the English infantry and artillery; for there the more regular battalions were in line, and the true Sikh prompt and powerful effort was not easily cowed. regiment of European lancers,^ and a necessary, was supported by one of Indian cavalry, was launched against the even ranks of the Lahore infantry. The Sikhs knelt to receive the orderly but impetuous charge of the English warriors, moved alike by noble
It
A
A
[1
H.M.'s 16th Lancers, under Col. Cureton.
Ed.]
.
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