"Khalsa Regulars compared to British Regulars" Topic

I have read a few books on the Sikh Wars and have a basic understanding of the relative strengths of both sides and the part played by the Sikh Generalas in the defeat of the Khalsa in the First Sikn War. What I'm less sure about is how well the Sikh Regular infantry compared to their British opponents. Do you have any views on this and what would you suggest for further reading? Thanks. Also how do the Rules you use rate the two?

"John Company" began some 15 years ago as a rules project solely for the Sikh Wars, but grew to encompass a wider period and range of technologies.

That said, the research on the Khalsa represented there is very thorough--if not yet truly complete--and draws upon sources gathered from around the world.

In short, believe me or not as you may prefer, but virtually all you need to know for pitting the Khalsa against the Brits/HEIC is in the resources section of the rules.

The rules, in their Second Edition, are the only ones designed from the ground up for India and its many armies, and not based on any other game system mashed and twisted to fit, and the peculiar strengths and weaknesses of the Khalsa, and the other armies, are addressed in ways not possible in other systems.

Okay, you got me! I'm proud of our work, and at the risk of sounding the merchant, you won't find a more authentic or complete set of rules anywhere.

Feel free to ask around here at TMP from customers who will give you there honest opinions. You might also run a search string on "John Company" and look for the detailed review of the first edition written by Chick Lewis and posted here a few years back.

TVAG

I cant say much about rules but can make a few comments about the 'real' world.
- The Khalsa were the most highly regarded of all Asian enemies by the British, both before and after they met them in combat.
- Veterans of the Peninsula were impressed by Sikh fire discipline and courage.
- The Khalsa thought they were a lot better than they were. In face-to-face slog British infantry always beat them – i.e. regiment to regiment. When EIC troops gained confidence they proceeded to beat them most times. In other words, the Khalsa were the third best regulars in the East. After all, sepoys were regulars too!
- Khalsa musketry left much to be desired in accuracy. They didnt 'freeze' like many untested troops. They fired away fast enough, but often aimed too high. This is mentioned several times in contemporary reports, some quoted by Donald Featherstone in 'At them with the Bayonet' – a great read by the way.
- The other issue is how static the Sikh regiments were. It's a bit like the Russians in the SYW; able to take heavy punishment, brave and giving a good account of themselves, but seemingly incapable of manoevre. The analogy continues. It wasnt just bad generalship that caused this problem but bad officering at lower levels. Sepoy subadars and jemadars did much better than Khalsa officers. British sergeants gave better leadership than Khalsa officers too, as we can see from the Crown regiments where all or most of the officers were killed or incapacitated.
- As a matter of personal opinion I reckon that several years of lording over the peasants had made Khalsa regiments lax and used to too much ease. They were definitely out marched as well as out fought. A day's march for them seems to have been much shorter than that of the British. In the 1st Sikh War British infantry reinforcements almost managed a cavalry speed!
- Although the outcome of each battle in both wars was usually a 'close run thing', British forces were ALWAYS heavily outnumbered, out gunned and fighting an enemy who were on interior lines in their home country. They had minimal technological advantage, if at all. So I can't say the Khalsa were that good really. Gough did not even bother to obtain local superiority in numbers when he attacked much larger forces. In the SYW Frederick of Prussia used attack in echelon on a flank to gain the advantage. Paddy Gough a) always attacked, and b) did it in line. Some call it unimaginative. I call it supreme confidence in your men.

"Flashman and the Mountain of Light" is a humorous and well researched fictional romp through the first Sikh War.
"Queen Victoria's Little Wars" by Bryon Farwell and "Victorian Military Campaigns" edited by Bond both have chapters on the Sikh Wars.
"John Company" is a good set of rules for army sized engagements of the period.

Review of John Company Rules:

TMP link

Thank you all that was helpful.