John Nicholson, the Lion of the Punjaub

The narrative chronicles the life and career of John Nicholson, tracing his rise from frontier service to prominent leadership during conflicts on the north-west frontier and in the Sikh wars. It examines his administrative rule in a turbulent frontier district, his tactical role during the Great Mutiny including service with a movable column and the operations before and during the capture of Delhi, and his death and memorials. Interwoven are personal episodes from furlough travels in Europe, including involvement in schemes to aid an exiled patriot and a daring delivery of a letter to a political prisoner’s wife, which illustrate his chivalrous boldness and uncompromising character.