Gorchurra in the Anglo-Sikh Wars

[OB]

In my latest blog post I look at the use of the Dhai Phat tactic by the Gorchurra in the Anglo-Sikh Wars. 

It proved to be remarkably effective against British and Indian regular cavalry.  Less so against Indian irregular cavalry.

If it is of interest her'e is the link


https://youdonotknowthenorth.blogspot.com

[ARKOUDAKI]

Thanks for sharing, an interesting take on things. Yes, the Sikh Irregulars employed very different tactics then the British cavalry and HEIC (British trained) cavalry units. And having held a number of Sikh swords in my own hands, they are indeed very sharp and great for hacking off limbs....unlike British cavalry swords that are notoriously blunt and not too good at cutting much of anything.

[OB]

Thanks Akoudaki,

It is Nolan's take rather than mine.  I cannot take credit for the insights or the original research.  "Could barely cut a turnip" he said about the British issue swords.  They are importants insights all the same.  Combined with Singh -Sidhu's two books they give us something important.

[ARKOUDAKI]

In doing a lot of primary research on the subject I have found quite a few firsthand accounts of cavalrymen during the Sikh Wars, and the tactics you have described by the Sikh Irregulars is spot on. The British cavalry fell for it more often, but the HEIC units were aware of it. Nevertheless, the British/HEIC cavalry charges were pretty costly. It also didn't help when some of the cavalry leaders were either too rash and impatient for glory or just too old to sit a saddle!

[OB]

Sorry for the late reply Arkoudaki.

I'm working through some IT problems so couldn't earlier.   The whole period is fascinating.  Good to see your research supporting Nolan's view.  My attention is now turning to the infantry of both sides.

[PBR Streetgang]

Brilliant brush work OB. Are these the Black Hat sculpts? I used to own some of these, never managed to paint them up and ended up selling them off. Anyway, you've done a very nice job painting these colorful irregular cavalry up!

[OB]

Thanks PBR.

I bought some of mine on ebay, I wonder if they were yours?

My Gorchurra are either from QRF or Black Hat.  They don't mix on the same base/unit.  Fine in the same army though.  The ones above are all Black Hat.