Ambeyla Campaign, 1863

The tribesmen clung on for some time, with their standards planted under the very walls of the British sangars, before they were driven off by musket and artillery fire. A counter-attack by the 6th Punjab Infantry from the left of the Eagle's Nest was initially successful, but was carried too far and was beaten back with over fifty casualties. The next three days were fairly quiet except for snipingand the welcome arrival of the first British th th reinforcements - 14 Native Infantry, 5 Gurkhas and two light field guns. However, before dawn on th the 30 , Crag Piquet, which overlooked the south of the camp (and at this time held by only twelve men), was overrun. Major Keyes, the sector commander, realizing that it was essential to recapture the post quickly before the tribesmen could consolidate their position, hastily assembled twenty men and made an immediate counter attack. He got to within a few feet of the summit before he was forced to take cover under some overhanging rocks. However, at first light he made another attempt. Clambering up the rocks, the British recaptured the post in fierce hand-to-hand fighting, for which both Keyes and Lieutenant Fosberry were awarded the Victoria Cross. Work was immediately put in hand to strengthen the Crag Piquet position, which was gradually expanded until it held 160 men and two guns.