United Kingdom - Ireland

Dec. 12, 1955 - British regiment in Cyprus celebrates ancient battle. Colours handed over to the sergeants for the day.: The ist. batt. the South Staffordshire Reg. recently celebrated Ferozeshah day on their parade day for the Wanes keep, outside Nicosia. On this victorious day for the regiment the colours are handed over to the sergeants for the day. In December 1845 when the Sikhs invaded British indie, the 2nd. Batt (80th. foot) marched 150 miles to engage a large force of Sikhs at Ferozesha. It was noted that after each attack the Sikhs relled around a big black flag carried by a Sikh. It was decide to capture the flag to deprive the Sikhs of their rallying point. Capt. Sherberras killed the Standard bearer and captured the flag - and he was then killed, Capt. best fought his way through and he captured the flag - he too was killed - then another officer was killed - and finally colour Sgt. Matthew Kirkland captured the flag although badly wounded. The Sgt. was promoted to the rank of officer. the flag now rest in Lichfield Catheddral - and to commemorate this incident the Sergeants for the day. Photo shows general view during the handing over of the regimental colours to the Sgts. during the ceremony near Nicosia. I, foreground can be seen the regiment's emblem in the form of a solid teak Chinz cat- which was presented to the regiment in Madalay in 1925

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Although Badly Batt Bearer Capt Celebrated Commemorate Cyprus Decide Deprive Engage Finally Fought Handed Handing Incident Indie Invaded Kirkland Lichfield Marched Nicosia Noted Promoted Rallying Rank Regimental Sergeants Sgts Sikh Sikhs Solid Staffordshire Teak Victorious

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