JAMES GEORGE NEILL

Soldier - (1810-1857)

Either a hero or a villain depending on which books you read (although FirstFoot has little doubt which way the vote would go).

Neill was born in Ayr, went to Glasgow University and after graduation, joined the East India Company.

Undoubtedly a brave man, he served in the 2nd Burmese War and in the Crimean War. However the Indian Mutiny is what he will be remembered for:

As commander of the Madras Fusiliers, he was posted up the Ganges. His bravery in securing Allahabad was rewarded when he was relieved of his command. He took this badly and the luckless Indians paid the price.

Those of weak constitution should return to the home page now.

Neill's revenge of the British women and children who were massacred at Cawnpore is a piece of savagery unrivalled in British military history.

Those who were identified as perpetrators were forced, under considerable use of the lash, to lick up every trace of blood at the massacre site. They were then hanged at an adjacent gallows.

FirstFoot has nothing more to add.