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One of the most heroic events of the 1800's.

Posted By: peter dzik
Date: Wednesday, 2 January 2008, at 1:22 p.m.

Does anyone know how Major John Eardley-Wilmot Inglis, born 1814, have a link to the Eardley name? His father and grandfather were Bishops of Upper Canada. He was at the centre of huge pride and patriotism as commander of the besieged town of Lucknow in mid India in 1857. He was to be made a Major General and Knight Commander of the Bath for his command. The 5 month plus siege of 1008 European troops and c.600 dependants was far more of an event than the 2 day affairs of Rorke's Drift (11 Victoria crosses) and The Alamo, Texas. The rebel soldiers also made much use of artillery on the British defences.
What made it so significant were fears following the massacre of troops at Cawnpore and the butchery of some 200 British women and children. The situation was so serious that the relief forces breaking through under Havelock and Outram 3 months later, also became trapped in Lucknow, and had to endure 2 more months of siege. Half the original defenders were to die.
I will link this to a future article on the Wilmot Eardleys , and try to find what was the cachet of the Eardley name.
Bye, peter