Royal Munster Fusiliers History (Continued 4)

The 1st European Light Infantry next, served in the Sutlej Campaign, and was present at �Ferozeshah, 21st December 1845. During this battle, after a charge, it was realized that the Regimental Colour was missing, but an officer dashed forward and found it under the dead body of Ensign Moxon, who had carried it. This Colour, stained with his blood, now hangs in Winchester Cathedral. In this action the Regiment lost 51 killed and 164 wounded, including 8 officers. On the 10th February in the following year the Regiment was at �Sobraon,� where, owing to its heavy losses at �Ferozeshah�, it went into action only a little over 400 strong; of this number 197 fell, including 2 officers killed and 10 wounded (3 mortally). Before this campaign the 1st European Light Infantry had been a magnificent battalion, over 1,000 strong; on the 11th February there were only 6 officers and 230 rank and file left fit for duty with the Regiment. In March 1846 the Government of India created the 1st Bengal European Light Infantry a Fusilier Regiment as a reward for its distinguished services, its title becoming the 1st EUROPEAN BENGAL FUSILIERS. 

In 1848, the 2nd European Regiment saw its first service in the Punjab campaign, being present at the battle of �Chillianwallah,� 13th January 1849, and the victory of �Goojerat� on the 21st February, losing in the latter fight 143 officers and men. On the 18th January 1850 the Government of India created the 2nd Bengal European Regiment a Fusilier Regiment for its gallant conduct in this campaign its title being the 2ND EUROPEAN BENGAL FUSILIERS.                                                            More>>