Battle of Danubyu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Danubyu
Part of the First Anglo-Burmese War
The Combined Forces under Brig. Cotton, C.B. and Captains Alexander, C.B. & Chads, R.N. passing the Fortress of Donabue to effect a junction with Sir Archibald Campbell, on 27 March 1825
Date March 1825 - April 1825 Location Danubyu Result British victory
Belligerents
British Empire	Burmese Empire
Commanders and leaders
Sir Archibald Campbell Willoughby Cotton	Maha Bandula   †
Strength
4,000	10,000
Casualties and losses
7 officers dead and 250 other ranks killed or wounded	British estimates: 800 killed or wounded

The Battle of Danubyu was an important fight during the First Anglo-Burmese War. It happened between the British Empire and the Konbaung Dynasty (which ruled Burma at the time). This battle took place in March and April 1825 near the town of Danubyu.

Setting the Scene

Bandula's lookout tree at Danybyu, used for observation

After losing a battle in Yangon in 1824, the Burmese army leader, Maha Bandula, moved his forces back to Danubyu. This small town was close to Yangon, in the Irrawaddy delta area.

The Burmese army had about 10,000 soldiers. Some were experienced fighters, but many were new recruits. These new soldiers were not well-trained or well-armed.

The town of Danubyu was protected by a strong fence, called a stockade. This stockade was about 1 mile long along the river. It was built from solid teak wood beams, which were at least 15 feet high.

The British forces had about 4,000 men. This included a cavalry unit and a group of gunboats. About 800 of these soldiers were European troops.

The Battle Begins

In March 1825, the British started their attack. They used heavy artillery (large cannons) to fire at the Burmese defenses.

General Cotton, the British leader, planned to attack the stockade section by section. About 600 British soldiers attacked the first part of the stockade. This section was near a "White Pagoda" (a type of temple).

After fierce fighting, the British managed to push the Burmese out of this first section. General Cotton then ordered 200 more men to attack the next part of the stockade.

These soldiers attacked with bayonets (knives attached to rifles). British cannons provided cover fire. However, the Burmese were ready. They fired a lot of muskets, causing many British casualties.

One officer said that "one-half of our men" were hit before they could reach the defenses. Many valuable officers were killed. Out of 200 men, over 130 were killed or wounded. The British then pulled back from both the captured and uncaptured defenses.

Bandula's Counterattack

With the British retreating, Maha Bandula tried to break the siege. He led his soldiers out of the fort. His forces included foot soldiers, cavalry (soldiers on horseback), and 17 fighting elephants.

However, the elephants were stopped by British rockets. The cavalry found it very hard to move forward against the constant British cannon fire.

Final Attack and Outcome

On April 1, the British launched a huge attack. They heavily bombed the town with their cannons. They also fired rockets at every part of the Burmese defense line.

During this attack, Maha Bandula was killed by a mortar shell. He had been walking around the fort to encourage his soldiers. He wore his full uniform and carried a shining golden umbrella. His generals had warned him that this would make him an easy target for enemy guns.

After Bandula's death, the Burmese army left Danubyu. The British had won the battle.

Aftermath

Casualties

The British army had about 250 soldiers killed or wounded. This included 7 officers who died. At least 130 of these casualties happened during the first attack on the Burmese positions.

The exact number of Burmese losses is not known. However, it is thought that about 800 Burmese soldiers were killed or wounded.