Defence of Lucknow, a Diary

[Illustrated with over one hundred maps, photos and portraits, of the battles, individuals and places involved in the Indian Mutiny]

Originally published anonymously as by a “Staff Officer”, Captain Thomas Wilson’s memoirs are as gripping and vivid as any that a British officer wrote of the Famous Siege of Lucknow. During the Indian Mutiny of 1857 many towns and cities were laid waste by riotous elements of the Indian Army. Many Europeans, having heard of the many slaughters and outrages sought safety were they could, hoping to shield themselves with British troops and loyal Sepoys. The European residency in Lucknow was the refuge of 3000 men, women and children of the surrounding area, it was immediately besieged by at least 20,000 Indian troops and rioters. Pounded by cannon, shot, and shell the besieged were under constant threat, the stocks of food dwindled and the threat of disease was never far away. Despite the severe privations the Mutineers could not crack the resistance, they hatched a plot to tunnel under the walls of the Residency and blow it up from beneath. Captain Wilson’s Diary records the often bloody events of each day in his diary as he and his compatriots fight for their lives and praying for relief.