225 
12-PR. GUN WITH ELEPHANT EQUIPMENT. 
BY 
CAPTAIN W. B. R. SANDYS, R.A.. 
AS the Chestnut Troop R.H. A. have recently temporarily undergone 
a novel experience in equipment during the present disturbances on 
the N.W. Frontier of India, I think a short account of this may be of 
interest to many of the Regiment. 
This is not a new equipment, as such equipment was used—with 
success, I believe—in both the Jowaki Expedition of 1877-78, and the 
last Afghan War—in the latter case F/A. had this equipment, but 
they had their horses as well, and I believe only used the elephants to 
get the guns over ground which was too difficult for wheels. 
During the third week in August last we were hastily sent to Rawal 
Pindi from Umballa to replace ‘ K' Battery ordered to Jamrud Fort. 
Late on 28th Oct. orders came to Pindi for the immediate formation 
of a 12-pr. battery with elephant equipment to join the Peshawar 
Column, then at Bara, some 7 miles out of Peshawar, officers, detach¬ 
ments, guns, etc., to be furnished by ‘ A 9 R.H.A. 
The first orders were for the battery to train to Campbellpore, where 
the elephants of the heavy battery (12 Eastern Division R.A.) were to 
be taken over, and then to march to Peshawar when ready. These 
orders were later on cancelled, the elephants marching alone to 
Peshawar, where they were to be taken over. 
The next two days were busily employed in sorting the small gun 
stores likely to be required, drawing cradles and ammunition boxes 
from the Arsenal, as well as boxes for artificers tools, battery office, 
and so on. All N.C.O’s and gunners left the cavalry pattern sword 
and belt behind, and were issued with the Mountain Battery pattern. 
All men proceeding with the battery were issued with warm service 
clothing, consisting of a warm coat, cardigan jacket, waterproof sheet, 
extra blankets, Balaclava cap, putties and gloves. 
Before leaving Pindi, sixty-five animals were taken over for carrying 
the ammunition ; these consisted of 30 mules drawn from the Mountain 
Artillery Dep6t, and 35 Punch ponies drawn from the Commissariat 
Department. The native establishment sent with them consisted of 
reservist drivers of Mountain batteries, transport drivers, and gunners 
of the Hyderabad Contingent Artillery. 
Transport complete (19 mules and 58 ponies) was also taken over 
before leaving Pindi. 
6. VOL. XXV. 
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