At the end of Chapter 3, you witnessed the 10th Hussars returning to Tranjapour from reconnoitering The Khyber Pass. The last image showed Major Trevelyan about to hand deliver new orders just arrived by telegraph from Fort Grant to Lt. Col. Preece. Later that evening we observe three officers conversing about those orders.
#57 The Relief Column
15 September 1898/2008. That night in Tranjapour there is heated talk. Khambatta, "No Sahib Bartlett! It is madness to stay here to await the Tugs." Bartlett, "My dear fellow, we thwarted them on the 8th and 9th and now with your infantry, we are stronger than a week ago." Dr. Watson, "I think Gen. Pettygree's orders, 'Hold until relieved. We are coming," are reasonable." Khambatta, “The 1st Sikhs will do our duty, but staying here is madness. The Tugs are a nemesis back from the dead!”
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#58 The Relief Column
15 September 1898/2008. In the next room Captain Sachs, 2/10th Hussars, overheard the conversation and rises saying, "I say, Subedar-Major Khambatta, with respect, it can't be as bad as all that. An' ol' Pettygree, the General I mean, will be 'ere with The Column before you know it."
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#59 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. General William Augustus Pettygree on parade within Fort Grant. 2nd Sikhs are drilling behind him. The General rides his trusty stallion, Express, "E" for short. Do you see the old bullet wound in his left flank? He received that battle honour long ago whilst taking his rider to safety in the Soudan.
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#60 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. The General turns to observe the departure of The Tranjapour Relief Column. The 9th Bengal Lancers lead. Two of the four squadrons will remain at Fort Grant for eventualities.
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#61 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. The 9th Bengal Lancers pass in review.
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#62 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. The 9th's most senior squadron commander, Captain Paget, salutes General Pettygree. In a moment the regiment will sortie out the Main Gate.
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#63 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. Within Fort Grant 1/9th Bengal Lancers trot toward the Main Gate.
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#64 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. The procession continues as 2/9th Bengal Lancers appear. Squadrons 3 and 4 (unseen) remain behind for local duties. General Pettygree (center) appears content with what he sees.
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#65 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. The procession of lancers continues under the watchful gaze of the General.
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#66 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. On the left Lt. Col. Sir Reginald Savory appears. He is the commanding officer of 1/Sikhs who are right behind him. In the background you can see a portion of the 2/Sikhs remaining behind. The Petrus Victory Column was raised by Brigadier Young some years before.
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#67 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. 1/Sikh infantry march into view. They are in earnest to reinforce a detachment of their comrades commanded by senior Captain Khambatta at Tranjapour. Sir Reginald salutes General Pettygree.
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#68 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. A second company of 1/Sikhs marches into view.
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#69 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. Now appears a detachment of the 1st Mountain Battery, a 7 Pdr. gun disassembled on mules.
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#70 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. More of the battery comes into view obscured from sunlight by thick scudding clouds above.
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#71 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. A third company of 1/Sikhs guards the rear of the battery.
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#72 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. Supply animals are essential to keep The Relief Column fed and supplied with extra ammunition. Wheeled transport is being left behind allowing for faster march speed.
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#73 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. More of the supply contingent appears including water carriers. The last one is Gunga Din. I say, whose face is just appearing leftmost in the photograph?
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#74 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. It's Annie! She is the Indian elephant so beloved by the garrison. Sometimes allowed to wander about, she has decided to go with The Column!
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#75 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. "Ohhhh' Annie!"
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#76 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. Annie is turned aside by her handler as the last of The Column exits The Main Gate. Notice two 2.5" screw guns and one 7 pdr. adjacent to the flag pole. These are remaining behind. Rightmost you see Gunga Din and General Pettygree are the last to leave Fort Grant. In a moment the General will gallop to the center of The Column in service to Queen and Country.
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#77 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008.
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#78 The Relief Column
16 September 1898/2008. The Relief Column stretches out into the distance. Their destination is Tranjapour. Will they arrive in time to relieve the 10th Hussars and the detachment of 1/Sikhs before, during or after the Tugs arrival there? Indeed will the Tugs even attack?
We shall see. Come back for Chapter 6 in three weeks time to find out. Fortunately the telegraph seen to the left can be tapped into to keep General Pettygree informed of the situation there. However, you must wait until next time.
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