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Hodson's Horse in action at Rhotuck
This painting shows Hodson's horse defeating a body of mutineer cavalry Rhotuck. William Hodson the Cavalry commander in the centre of the painting was a renowned soldier, political agent and administrator as well as being one of the men who tamed Punjab for the Empire.
Hodson had a fairly unremarkable upbringing being the son of an Anglican Vicar, he went to India at the age of 23 joining the 2nd Bengal Grenadiers. He served in the first Anglo-Sikh war and then transfered to the 1st European Bengal fusiliers.
As a reuslt of the annexation of Punjab Britain had come to control a vast lawless frontier bordering Afghanistan meaning a new formation had to be raised to protect it. The responsibility for this fell on the shoulders of Hodson and Harry Lumsden, who raised the Corps of Guides
The guides was a highly adaptable force that mapped the frontier and would conduct raids into tribal lands, and was the first unit in the British army to adopt Khaki. They served with distinction in the Second Anglo-Sikh war, and at its conclusion in 1849 he became a commissioner
However, during his time as commissioner he was dogged by accusations of corruption, but they were baseless as he routinely cleared of misconduct. The accusations were likely driven by jealously and personal fueds as Hodson could be outspoken against his superiors.
But his reputation been damaged and he was removed from civil service and given a military command. The outbreak of the mutiny gave him a chance to restore his honour. Hodson was empowred to raise 2000 cavalry to help fight the rebels, and he carved a path to Delhi. He used spies
to gather vital intelligence on the cities strength while also protecting Delhi ridge from enemy sorties. On the 20th Spetmeber 1857 he rode into the city and captured Badahur Shah the last Mughal and the figure head of the rebellion, he would also commit his most infamous action
The Emporers sons had refused Hodsons first offer to surrender, and on the 21st Hodson returned and arrested the Princes in front of a crowd over a thousands strong. Hodson knew the Princes had blood on there hands as they had incited rebellion. He executed them for their crimes.
Hodoson ended the Mughal line and avenged the lives of all those murdered British men and women. Hodson would go on to take part in the second relief of Lucknow where on one occasions he would use a boar spear to clear a house occupied with mutineer.
Unfortunately, as with so many heroes of the Empire he would not survive the mutiny. While attacking Begums Palace Hodson went into breach in the walls and while walking forward was shot in the chest, he died of his wounds on the 12th of March 1858.
General Campbell said he was one of his 'Greatest officers' and had his named cleared of any wrong he had been accused of. He was buried in the grounds of La Martiniere in Lucknow
Hodsons monument at Lichfield Cathedral
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