Sepoys and Squares

I stumbled onto a fantastic website dedicated to the Mysore Wars and came across a Scottish manuscript describing the training and regulations for a company of native infantry (commonly called sepoys) in the service of the East-India Company. I haven’t read too many military manuals but I think you would be hard pressed to find one so colorful.

“If a Battn. (Battalion) is attacked by a large Body of Horse on a plain, it is to form the Square or Oblong, half and face outwards. Should the Horse appear within the distance of 300 Yds the Bttn with a well directed fire of Grape or Case shot will in all probability keep them at bay; if however from superior numbers and the intoxication of Bang they should approach within the distance of 100 yds, the front rank will make ready. If the Cavalry should still persist in advancing to the distance of 60 yds, the front rank will present and the rear rank make ready. It is of the first importance that men should preserve their fire on this occasion. If the Cavalry should however persist in advancing to the distance of 50 yds the front rank will fire.” When the cavalry approaches within 20 yards the square is to remain “steady and fully determined to defend themselves like Gallant soldiers to the last extremity.”

The language is rich and inspired. For example, the author describes the smoke produced from musket and cannon fire as “intoxication of bang.” And the last sentence reads like a Hollywood script: “…defend themselves like Gallant soldiers to the last extremity.”

For all of the destruction and terror of war, the scene described above has a certain beauty to it. Splendid, Indian lancers rushing across a plain, foam coming from their horses’ mouths, the gold and silk of their uniforms gleaming in the sun as they close in on the red lines of soldiers in front of them. The ranks of British infantry stone faced, squinting through the smoke of the field, holding their fire as the cavalry comes like a wave. Sepoys and highlanders shoulder to shoulder, bayonets fixed, waiting for their officers' commands.