HISTORY OF THE 1ST BATTALION 6TH RAJPUTANA RIFLES (WELLESLEY’S)

This unit history covers a huge sweep of – mainly – colonial warfare concluding with the tragedy of Kut-al-Amara in the Great War. Originating as an infantry unit of the East India company in the 1770s, the battalion were captured as prisoners of war by the notorious Tipu, Sultan of Mysore. The long-running resistance of Mysore to the Company’s rule was ended with the storming of Seringapatam by Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) beginning the close association between the Iron Duke and the Battalion. The frequently re-organised battalion was finally reformed as a Rifle Corps in time for the Sikh Wars. It took part also in the Afghan wars, distinguishing itself in the defence of Kandahar. In the Great War, the unit was mobilised and sent to Mesopotamia (Iraq) where it fought the Turks before it took part in the siege and surrender at Kut-al-Amara. It suffered greviously in Turkish captivity, but was re-formed after the war in Iraq before returning to India for field service in Waziristan.Comes complete with awards; rolls of honour; maps and photographs.