A Leicestershire Soldier in the Second Sikh War: Recollections of a Corporal of the 32nd Regiment of Foot in India 1848-49

The final defeat of the Sikhs of the Punjab

This book, originally humbly and ambiguously titled 'Four Year's Service in India', is a treasure trove for students of the Sikh Wars and of the experiences of an ordinary soldier of the early Victorian age who not only possessed the talent to relate his experiences, but who fortunately for posterity had the inclination for the task. This is the best of eyewitness accounts of war because it is a detailed and well observed view-in the main-of a comparatively short period of time. Much of Ryder's book concerns the siege, storm and taking of the fortress stronghold of Mooltan and in this he has left us one of its most informed and comprehensive sources, made all the finer as it comes from an 'other rank' concerned daily with the business of combat and survival. Ryder also gives a superb account of the Battle of Goojerat. Highly recommended.