100 years ago #OnThisDay (3 Sept), a gallant last stand took place at a place called Samawa in Iraq. 30 Dogras of C squadron of 10th Hodson’s Horse were surrounded by overwhelming odds.

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They had become stranded during a retreat from a railway station inside a carriage of an armoured train. They continuously engaged the attacking force (about 4000 strong) in the hope that the main camp would hear the firing and send a relief force.

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This was not to be and their officer, Capt Oswald Russell encouraged the men to fight to the last bullet. Attempts were made to burn the carriage. They held off the attackers for several hours and by 4pm, Russell who was by then wounded, told the survivors to try and escape.

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As soon as they stepped off the train they were overwhelmed and cut down. Russell was subsequently killed and only one sowar, taken prisoner and later released, survived to tell the tale.

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When news of the fighting reached the main camp, many were loathed to believe that the fight had continued so long. This was, however, confirmed by local Arabs who spoke of the gallantry of the besieged men.

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They praised Russell calling him ‘Abu sil Sillah’ (the Father of the chains). This was in reference to the steel chains he wore on the shoulders of his tunic. He was recommended for the Victoria Cross but sadly received only a mention in despatches.

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There was no one left to recommend the men who undoubtedly deserved posthumous awards. The regimental history notes ‘…of his (Russel’s) #Dogra soldiers…there can be no higher praise than to say that they maintained the great traditions of their race.’

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The remains of the men killed on 3rd September were later collected by a relief force and buried in a communal grave at the @CWGC #Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery. #LestWeForget

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10th Hodson's Horse is today part of 4 Horse (Hodson's Horse) of the Indian Armoured Corps.
@ajaishukla thought you might like this given your association with #hodsonshorse.