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Kavanagh and Kunuji in the Swamp, 1857 (c1912)
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Kavanagh and Kunuji in the Swamp, 1857 (c1912)
Kavanagh and Kunuji in the Swamp, 1857 (c1912). During the Second Siege of Lucknow the defenders were able to send messengers to and from the Alambagh, from where in turn messengers could reach Cawnpore. A volunteer civil servant, Thomas Henry Kavanagh, disguised himself as a sepoy and ventured from the Residency aided by a local man named Kananji Lal. He and his scout crossed the entrenchments east of the city and reached the Alambagh. For this action, Kavanagh was awarded the Victoria Cross and was the first civilian in British history to be honoured with such an award for action during a military conflict. From The Romance of India, edited by Herbert Strang. [Hodder & Stoughton, London, c1912]
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Media ID 14978791
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Arm Raised Charles James Lestrange Civil Servant Civilian Civilians Difficult Difficulty Disguise Disguised George Herbert Ely Great Sepoy Rebellion 1857 Herbert Herbert Strang Hodder Stoughton Hodder Stoughton Ltd Indian Mutiny 1857 Messenger Romance Of India Scout Scouts Sepoy Sepoys Siege Siege Of Lucknow Strang Swamp Thomas Henry Turban Victoria Cross Voluntary Volunteer Volunteers Hand Gesture Headgear Hindoostan Kavanagh
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Kavanagh and Kunuji in the Swamp, 1857 (c1912) - A Glimpse into Heroism during the Second Siege of Lucknow
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures a pivotal moment during the Second Siege of Lucknow in 1857. In this historical event, defenders desperately sought ways to communicate with the outside world from their stronghold at Alambagh. Enter Thomas Henry Kavanagh, a courageous volunteer civil servant who took on an extraordinary mission. Disguised as a sepoy, Kavanagh embarked on a perilous journey across enemy lines with his trusted local guide, Kananji Lal. Together, they braved treacherous swamps and crossed entrenchments east of the city to reach Alambagh successfully. This daring feat not only enabled vital communication between Lucknow and Cawnpore but also made history. Thomas Henry Kavanagh became the first civilian in British history to receive the prestigious Victoria Cross for his actions during military conflict. His bravery exemplifies heroism beyond traditional roles and highlights how individuals can rise above adversity when duty calls. The image itself is rich with detail; we see two men standing amidst a swampy landscape under moonlight's ethereal glow. Their headdresses and weaponry hint at their Indian origins while emphasizing their involvement in warfare. With one arm raised in gesture, perhaps signaling caution or triumph over difficult terrain, these figures embody resilience against all odds. This remarkable photograph serves as both a testament to human courage and an important reminder of historical events that shaped nations. It invites us to reflect upon acts of valor that transcend boundaries and inspire generations to come.
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