This Day in History: 1864-08-14

The Sirmoor Rifles had been ordered to Hazara country on the North-West Frontier to help suppress an insurrection there. They were ordered to seize the Soosul Pass, a key feature securing the lines of communication with the surrounded British force at Khakee. The Regiment marched 50km in one day with no food and carrying heavy packs up a ‘steep and difficult track’ reaching the Pass at midnight. They remained there until 8th September, improving the road so that guns and pack animals could reach the beleaguered garrison at Khakee.  Click here for an account of the campaign.  (The medal to the right of this text was awarded in 1868 after 4 years’ duty on the North-West Frontier).