The Battle of Hyderabad, 24th March 1843, By 1854

George Jones RA (1786 - 1869)

RA Collection: Art

When exhibited at the Royal Academy Exhibition of 1854 the painting was accompanied by the following catalogue text:

"Lt. Gen. Sir C. Napier is on the height, under the colors of the Queen's 22nd Regiment, with its aide-de-camp, Lt.-Col. McMurdo, having succeeded in leading the 22nd Regiment to storm the battery at the top of the second ravine or nullah.

The hand-to-hand conflict is heavy in the nullahs, and in the dry bed of the Fullaillee river, which forms the foreground. On the rear of the General, parties of H.M. 22nd, led by Major George, are making their way through the nullahs and over the ramparts. In their rear, on the plain, the 25th, 21st, 12th 8th and 1st echelon movement. On their left, Col. Leslie is leading the artillery into the dry bed of the river, to cross and rush up the opposite bank to attack the enemy.

In the front of the picture, the Poonah Irregular Horse (in green uniform). In the rear, the 9th Bengal Light Cavalry, led by Major Storey and Captain Tait. Surgeon Tuener is with the 9th. On the height, where many of H.M. 22nd have fallen, is Major Poole, commanding the brigade; below him, is Col. Leslie on a white charger, accompanied by Capt. Rowan; on their left, Lieut. Smith, mortally wounded; and in the rear, Trumpeter Phelan, taking a large standard from a Beloch. In the centre of the picture, Major Conway leads the light infantry of H.M. 22nd; behind him is Corporal Kelly, seizing a silver standard. Capt. Cooke is forcing an ensign from a Beloch, in front of Sir C. Napier.

Hyderbad in the distance. The whole is drawn under the direction of the late General Sir Charles Napier."