E Maude

Rifleman Sahib: The Recollections of an Officer of the Bombay Rifles During the Southern Mahratta Campaign, Second Sikh War, Persian C - Eyewitness to War E Maude

The campaigns of a 'soldier sahib' in the nineteenth century

The author of this book was a true soldier of the Raj. His long career took place almost entirely in India or was concerned with the wars of the Honourable East India Company. As a young man he joined the Bombay Rifles in the early years of Queen Victoria's reign and arrived in the sub-continent in time to take part in the Southern Maratha Campaign. Next came the wars that brought about the final destruction of the Sikh kingdom and Maude was present at the storming of Multan and other key actions. 1856 brought 'John Company's Last War'-The Persian Campaign. Maude took part and left posterity much interesting detail on this little covered episode of British military history. The following year he was engaged in the Bheel Campaign and shortly thereafter the infamous Indian Mutiny which erupted in the North East. Again the author was called to the colours to take an active part as a staff officer. This is an ideal book for those interested in India's campaigns in the Victorian age.