Sikh War Book Update
February 7, 2013
Gentlefolk,
I promised you a Monthly Update beginning last month and here it is.
Over the course of the past thirty days or so, I have accomplished the following tasks:
The Daily March and Event Log for the "Army of the Sutlej" during the 2nd Sikh War.
Due to the nature of the war, this log does not begin on a daily basis, but reaches that benchmark by mid-November, 1848. Not only does it provide the reader with a daily record of what did, or did not, happen, but it also allows me the freedom of not having to worry about mentioning daily movements in the upcoming narrative of the 2nd Sikh War; the reader can just refer to the log.
Again, this is the first ever attempt to trace the movements and events of the Army's of the Sutlej and Punjab on a daily basis during the course of the Sikh Wars.
Fraying at the Edges
This is a brief, but vital, chapter bridging the events that occurred during and after the Mooltan Revolt to the actual start of the 2nd Sikh War. Ranging from the Northwest Frontier to the Jullundur Doab and into the very heartland of the Sikh nation, every major and most minor events are covered.
Two New Sidebar articles:
The Curious Case of Colin Campbell's Colonelcy and Commands
Examines just how Colin Campbell went from a newly arrived Lt. Colonel in India to a division commander in less than a year; going over the head of at least one, if not more, officer(s) of greater experience and talent thanks to both seniority and cronyism.
Skirmishing during the Sikh Wars
Inspired by "Long Valley Gamers'" question on TMP, this small article lists every major engagement fought during the Sikh Wars and explains if skirmishers were used, or not, and the reasons behind such decisions. Heck, even I learned something new here!
Old Sidebar Articles:
While I had the time and inclination, I went back and re-edited all of the original sidebar articles from the 1st Edition. Not only did I improve text and grammar, but I also added a few new nuggets here and there, along with removing any and all existing errors (that I could find).
One NEW Order of Battle:
While it will probably just end up as a footnote to the sub-chapter dealing with the Action of Suddulapore, a brief reference in a few books now allows me to list exactly which Sikh units faced Thackwell on the 3rd of December.
So then…what's next, you might ask?
Well, plenty, I still have to go over everything and add this fact or that as I do; that task won't end until the day Patrick tells me to STOP, but…
I can do all of that in my spare time and when I need to take a break, because in all truth, I only have ONE FINAL TASK to accomplish; and that is:
The Final Chapter…The 2nd Sikh War
Right now I'm doing final research and lining my all my ducks up in a row, but I see no reason why I can't begin this chapter early next week. It will be one continuous narrative, just like the extended chapter on the 1st Sikh War, but each major event or battle will get its' own sub-chapter. I will give detailed accounts and analysis on Ramnuggar, Suddulapore and Chillianwalla, providing new, or long neglected, information in most cases. I will also dedicate sub-chapters to Gujerat and Gilbert's Advance to the Khyber, but they will, perforce, be shorter due to the fact that little or no controversy surrounds them.
And then, it all goes to Patrick.
Of course, that won't stop me from polishing what I can, as I can, and I might even have some material that can be posted online, either at TVAG or on my new website…so, in short: STAY TUNED!
