Edward Ommanney facts for kids

Edward Lacon Ommanney was a British military officer. He was born on August 24, 1834, in Cherrapunji, Assam, which was part of India when it was ruled by the British (known as the British Raj). He became a Colonel and was awarded the CSI, a special honor. He served in India for many years, helping to manage different regions and taking part in important events.

Early Life and Military Career

Edward Lacon Ommanney was the son of Major General Edward Lacon Ommanney, who was also a military leader. His uncle was Erasmus Ommanney. Edward went to school at Bedford Grammar School and later studied engineering.

In 1852, he traveled to India. He first worked in the Opium Department, which managed the trade of opium. A few years later, in 1855, he joined the Bengal Army. This was one of the main armies of the British in India. He became an officer in the 59th Bengal Native Infantry. In 1861, he moved to the Staff Corps, a group of officers who helped with important military and administrative tasks. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a colonel in 1885.

Service in India

Colonel Ommanney played a role during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. This was a major uprising against British rule in India. After the rebellion, he was given the important job of looking after Bahadur Shah II, who was the last Mughal emperor, and his family. They were held as state prisoners.

Ommanney escorted the former emperor and his family to Rangoon (now Yangon) in Myanmar. He then moved to the Pegu Commission, which was a British administrative body in that area. In 1859, he finished his duty with the prisoners and joined the Punjab commission.

Important Roles in Punjab

While in Punjab, Ommanney worked as a personal assistant to the commissioner of Peshawar and Derajat. These were important administrative areas. He also took part in the Black Mountain Expedition of 1868, which was a military campaign in a hilly region.

Later, in 1880, he was appointed as a commissioner himself. He was in charge of the Multan, Derajat, and Peshawar Divisions. In 1888, he joined the 2nd Black Mountain Expedition as the chief political officer. This meant he was responsible for dealing with local leaders and managing political matters during the expedition.

Later Years

Colonel Edward Lacon Ommanney returned to England in 1891 after many years of service in India. He passed away in Woolwich on April 3, 1914.