GORDON

GORDON (d. 1837), often miscalled Canon, an Anglo Indian, entered the service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1820 as an infantry instructor on a salary of Rs 500 per month. Later, he was put in command of a battalion of artillery. In July 1822, his battalion received approbation from Allard and Ventura and was ultimately incorporated in the FaujiKhas. Gordon was now charged with raising a new cavalry regiment to be called Akal Regiment.

In November 1829, he was reprimanded by Ranjit Singh and imprisoned for nine months for using insolent language at a target practice exercise. At the end of his imprisonment, the Maharaja offered him command of an infantry battalion. He refused to accept it, and was dismissed from service. He expressed regrets and was reinstated in 1833 as commander of the Najib battalion. He was killed in action in the battle of Jamrud (1837).

References :

1. Grey, C., European Adventurers of Nortlwn India, 1785 – 1849. Patiala, 1970