Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research 99/397

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ARMY HISTORICAL RESEARCH

discharged, due to his injuries. His brother’s letter makes it clear he subsequently learned to write with his left hand. He was discharged at Chatham 27 October 1846, with a permanent pension of 9d per day. He died 12 February 1876 . 17 The introduction printed in the newspaper, and subsequent editorials, suggests that the editor of the Kentish Gazette had Radical leanings: The subjoined letter from another of the gallant heroes of the 16 th Lancers, and conquerors of Aliwal, has been forwarded to us. The writer is a native of Kent, at Sturry. We cannot, at this time, trust ourselves to comment upon the unworthy fact which concludes his relation. We must reserve our remarks upon the subject to a future number. It is certainly a dishonour to the British public and a degrading blot upon the national escutcheon, that a maimed warrior should be pensioned off with only ninepence a day, whilst lazy, insolent, and pampered civil officials are rioting on so much an hour, for no meritorious service at all. But this, we are glad to know, will soon be reformed; so more anon. To the Editor of the Kentish Gazette. Sir, – I have read with much interest the correspondence which has appeared in the last two numbers of your valuable journal, relative to the 16 th Lancers during the late campaign, and to the truthfulness of which statements I am happy to bear testimony, for I am proud to say that I took a part in those important services, and had, moreover, the pleasure of serving in the same troop with one of the brave fellows, whose letters possess a peculiar interest, since his melancholy death has deprived his comrades of one of the best fellows in her Majesty’s service. 18 He was universally beloved, and was a general favourite with all ranks of the regiment. I had the honor of losing my right arm in the service of my country at the glorious battle of Aliwal, and perhaps it may not be uninteresting to your readers if I detail a few incidents which happened to me on that memorable day. The squadron to which I belonged was ordered to charge a square of Sikh infantry. We went at them, and on coming within about 40 yards, they gave us a volley, a ball from which struck the chain of my lance-cap immediately over the left cheek bone. They then threw away their muskets, and taking their large shields, came at us sword in hand. I delivered a point at one fellow, but could not reach him, and was about settling a second, when a blow from a sabre from behind severed my arm just above the wrist. My hand grasping the lance, fell to the ground, and not being able to make my horse (an old trooper, and a vicious animal

17 TNA WO97/45; WO22/34; WO23/34; WO120/53: Soldiers’ Pension Documents. 18 That is, Fred Cowtan.