Paper knife removed from the Cawnpore well by Sergeants C. Brooks and I. Rondyne, 9th (Queen's Royal Light) Dragoons (Lancers), on 25 October 1857

During the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) the British re-captured Cawnpore on 17 July 1857. The city was held until 9 November when Sir Colin Campbell and most of the garrison departed for the Relief of Lucknow. His force included the 9th Lancers. In the days before they left, the soldiers were marched through the massacre site and many removed locks of hair and other objects. They carried these mementoes with them during the subsequent re-conquest of rebel areas.