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CLYDE AND STRATHNAIRN

field from sunstroke. In fact, the sun was a far more deadly enemy than the rebels, for there was no cover. Dooli after dooli was brought into the field hospital, with officers and men suffering from sunstroke, some dead, some prostrate, others laughing or sobbing in delirium. The General himself had fallen three times from sunstroke, but each time forced himself to rally until the victory was won. When the men moved off towards the encamping ground on the Kálpi side of Kúnch, they were completely worn out; the action having lasted from daybreak till 9 o'clock at night, in a heat which was 110° in the shade.

Before marching on to Kálpi, Sir Hugh Rose detached Major Gall with a small force to attack and take the strong fort of Lohári, held by Valaitis, six or seven miles on his left flank. This was done with great gallantry. The fort was too strong to batter with field artillery, and the only entrance was a difficult one, built on the old Maráthá plan of a double gate with a small postern in an angle. Here the 3rd Europeans particularly distinguished themselves. A desperate struggle took place when they got into the first gate. Two officers were severely wounded, and several men killed. A soldier named Whirlpool[1] received no less than nineteen wounds.

  1. He had been mentioned in despatches for saving the lives of two comrades who had fallen wounded from the broken ladders at the siege of Jhánsí. He himself lived to receive the Victoria Cross and sixpence a day beyond his usual pension. Sir Hugh Rose always thought that the name of Whirlpool was assumed, and