Synopsis

Illustrated with over one hundred maps, photos and portraits, of the battles, individuals and places involved in the Indian Mutiny]The fascinating diary and correspondence of a serving British light cavalry officer during the high empire days of the Mid-Victorian era in India."Originally an infantry officer, Ouvry suffered a leg injury whilst serving in Canada which necessitated his transfer to the mounted arm. As a troop commander during the Second Sikh War with H. M 3rd Light Dragoons he experienced the campaign in full measure and his detailed reports on the cavalry engagements in which he took part are vital and well written source material. Particularly fascinating is his description of the management of his troop under battlefield conditions. After a transfer to H. M 9th Lancers Ouvry saw hard campaigning during the Indian Mutiny which erupted in 1857. The 9th Lancers earned a fearsome reputation as the 'Delhi Spearmen' and it is clear that Ouvry took his full part in what he considered to be justifiable retribution and vengeance. It is particularly interesting to note that his letters were often addressed to his wife 'Mittie' who was with him on the sub-continent. Mrs M. H Ouvry also wrote a book, A Lady's Diary Before and During the Indian Mutiny, which of course touches on many of the same topics raised in her husband's writing and thus vitally completes the historical record."-Print ed.

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