Mutiny Memorial in New Delhi

Photograph, date unknown.

The gothic style, red sandstone memorial built in 1863 to commemorate the Delhi Field Force formed during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). The monument commemorate the actions of the Delhi Field Force and the names of some of the officers and men who were killed in 1857.

The monument was renamed the Ajitgarh (Place of the Unvanquished) in 1972 by the Indian Government. A plaque was added that contained the following inscription, 'The 'enemy' of the inscriptions on this monument were those who rose against colonial rule and fought bravely for national liberation in 1857, In memory of the heroism of these immortal martyrs for Indian freedom.'

From a photograph album of 74 photographs compiled by Major William Davis (1825-1873).

Lieutenant-Colonel William Davis was born in Cawnpore in 1825, the son of Colonel William Worsley Davis (1784-1833) and his wife Letitia. He was educated in England, becoming an Ensign in the Honourable East India Company's Army in December 1842. He served with the 31st Bengal Native Infantry in the Gwalior campaign in 1843, the 2nd Sikh War (1848-1849) and on the North West Frontier of India in 1850. In June 1857 Captain William Davis took command of the Calcutta Infantry Volunteer Guards. During and after the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) Davis gained distinction commanding the Jhansi Division of Military Police. Davis became Deputy Inspector-General of Police at Agra in April 1864 and was made a Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1868. Davis was Commandant of the Calcutta Infantry Volunteer Guards and he died on 7 October 1873 at Naini Tal hill station having collapsed while being entertained by the volunteer unit. Davis's final resting place was at the Church of St John in the Wilderness at Naini Tal where his second wife, Mary Jane Theresa, who died in 1870, was also buried.