Undercover of darkness and dense fog the Tenth moved in utter silence towards the enemy position. As they advanced to within the range of muskets and artillery the enemy opened fire, the effect was devastating, men fell at every step, yet the advance continued in perfect line, as though on the parade square, still in silence with mot a shot being fired. The Tenth was now reduced to half its original strength. When only a short distance from the Sikh guns the Colonel of the Tenth ordered them to halt for breath, this they did, still in perfect silence, still not a shot fired by them.
Hookum Singh was a Sikh Captain of Artillery that morning and recalled, ‘Then with a shout, such as only angry demons could send forth and which is still ringing in my ears, they made a rush for our guns led by their Colonel. In ten minutes, it was all over, they leapt into the deep ditch or moat to our front, soon filling it, then swarming up the other side on the shoulders of their comrades they dashed for the guns, which were still defended by a strong body of our infantry who fought bravely. But who could withstand such fierce demons with those awful bayonets, which, they preferred to their guns – for not a shot did they fire the whole time – and then with a ringing cheer which was heard for miles around, they announced their victory.’
For their actions at Sobraon the regiment received the thanks of Parliament and the right to wear on the colours and appointments the Battle Honour SOBRAON. The Second Battalion mark and commemorate Sobraon Day.
