Cavalry Experiences: Letters & Journals of a British Cavalry Officer During the Second Sikh War & Indian Mutiny

Against the Khalsa and Mutineers in nineteenth century India

Originally titled, Cavalry Experiences and Leaves From My Journal, this book by Henry Ouvry is comprised of his correspondence and private writings whilst serving as a British officer of regular light cavalry in India during the middle years of the Victorian era. Originally an infantry officer, Ouvry suffered a leg injury whilst serving in Canada which necessitated his transfer to the mounted arm. As a troop commander during the Second Sikh War with H. M 3rd Light Dragoons he experienced the campaign in full measure and his detailed reports on the cavalry engagements in which he took part are vital and well written source material. Particularly fascinating is his description of the management of his troop under battlefield conditions. After a transfer to H. M 9th Lancers Ouvry saw hard campaigning during the Indian Mutiny which erupted in 1857. The 9th Lancers earned a fearsome reputation as the 'Delhi Spearmen' and it is clear that Ouvry took his full part in what he considered to be justifiable retribution and vengeance. It is particularly interesting to note that his letters were often addressed to his wife 'Mittie' who was with him on the sub-continent. Mrs M. H Ouvry also wrote a book, published by Leonaur as A Lady's Indian Mutiny Diary, which of course touches on many of the same topics raised in her husbands writing and thus vitally completes the historical record.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.