Defence of the Delhi Magazine, India 11 May 1857

11 May 1857

The Mutiny broke out on 10 May 1857 at Meerut. The rebellious sepoys from Meerut then made for Delhi, about forty miles to the south-west, which they entered on the morning of the 11th. A group of nine British soldiers under the command of Lieutenant G D Willoughby barricaded themselves within the Magazine, which they held against the rebels for over four hours, their native troops having deserted them. They had already made preparations to blow up the Magazine rather than let it fall into rebel hands and when they ran out of ammunition, the signal was given to detonate the charges. Five of the defenders died either in the explosion or its aftermath, including the gallant Conductor John Scully who had fired the charges. Only four escaped the city and one of those was killed trying to reach Meerut. The three survivors were all later awarded the VC.