James Skinner (soldier) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Skinner
James Skinner CB (1778–1841), 19th century. Probably from Thomas Metcalfe's book dated 1843.
Nickname(s)	Sikandar Sahib
Born	1778
Died	December 4, 1841(1841-12-04) (aged 62–63)
Rank	Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit	Skinner's Horse

Colonel James Skinner CB (1778 – 4 December 1841) was a brave soldier and adventurer in India. People knew him as Sikandar Sahib. He is famous for creating two special cavalry groups for the British. These groups were called 1st Skinner's Horse and 3rd Skinner's Horse. They were formed in 1803 and are still part of the Indian Army today.

James Skinner was also a talented writer. He wrote several books in Persian, which was an important language in India back then. Some of his writings are now kept at the Library of Congress.

A Young Life in India

James Skinner was born in 1778 in Calcutta, India. His father, Lieutenant-Colonel Hercules Skinner, was a Scottish officer in the East India Company army. His mother was a Rajput princess, making James Anglo-Indian.

He first went to an English school in Calcutta. Later, he attended a boarding school.

Skinner's Military Career

James Skinner's father wanted him to become a printer. But James did not like this job and ran away after only three days. Because his mother was Indian, James could not become an officer in the East India Company army right away.

So, at 16, he joined the Mahratta army as a junior officer. James quickly showed he was a skilled soldier. He stayed with the Mahratta army until 1803. At that time, a war started between the British and the Marathas. All Anglo-Indian soldiers had to leave the Mahratta army.

Later, James joined the Bengal Army. On February 23, 1803, he formed a new cavalry group. It was called "Skinner's Horse" or the "Yellow Boys." This was because of their bright yellow uniforms. This group became a very famous light cavalry regiment. It was part of the British Indian Army and still exists in the Indian Army today.

In 1828, James finally became a lieutenant-colonel in the British army. He was promoted again to colonel on December 26, 1826.

James knew a lot about the people of India. Important leaders like the governor-generals and commanders-in-chief often asked for his advice. He also wrote a book in Persian about his military adventures.

His Final Days

James Skinner passed away on December 4, 1841, when he was 64 years old. He was first buried in Hansi. After 40 days, his coffin was moved to Delhi. Two hundred soldiers from Skinner's Horse escorted it. He was then buried in Skinner's Church on January 19, 1842. His tomb is a white marble slab right under the Communion table in the church.

Images for kids

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  James Skinner, a brave soldier and leader.

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  A group from Skinner's Horse, the famous cavalry regiment.

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  Portrait of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Punjab.

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  Colonel James Skinner, from a portrait made in 1836.

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  St. James' Church or Skinner's Church, where James Skinner is buried.

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  The marble slab marking Skinner's tomb inside St. James' Church.

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  Old Delhi in 1858. "Skinner's House" is marked as #27, near the Jammi Masjid.