Perak War facts for kids
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The Perak War (1875–1876) was a conflict between British soldiers and local fighters in Perak. Perak is a state located in northwestern Malaysia. Local leaders, including the Sultan of Upper Perak, wanted to end outside control in their region. They also wanted to remove the British official, James W. W. Birch. After Birch was killed in 1875, British forces fought the local rebels. The British eventually won and took back control of the area.
How the War Started
After James W. W. Birch was killed, local Malay leaders planned an attack. They wanted to attack Bandar Bahru on November 2, 1875. However, heavy rain stopped their plan.
British soldiers began to arrive as backup. They came from Hong Kong and Burma by November 6. The first fight of the war happened on November 7, 1875. About 106 British soldiers fought near a Malay fort in Bandar Tua, Perak.
The British faced strong resistance. They had to retreat, losing four men, including an officer named Captain Innes. More British soldiers were sent to help. Soon, 300 men arrived in Perak with 80 boats. Most of these soldiers came from India and Hong Kong.
The Siege of Pasir Salak
On November 15, the British army reached Pasir Salak. This place was well-protected. It had a fort with a six-foot-high wall. On top of the wall was a wooden barrier. There was also a trench filled with sharp spikes and traps.
The local fighters had several small cannons called lantaka. They also had some muskets. The British attacked many times. Their first attack failed, and Captain Innes was killed. But the British kept fighting. They finally captured Pasir Salak on December 12. British soldiers, following orders from William Jervois, then destroyed Pasir Salak.
Battle at Kota Lama Kanan
The local fighters, led by Dato Maharaja Lela, moved to Sayong. The British followed them. On their way, the British attacked enemy forts and villages.
Then, on January 4, 1876, the British were surprised by an attack. This ambush happened at Kota Lama Kanan, in Sayong. Brigadier H.J. Hawkins was killed during this battle.
The End of the War
As time went on, the local fighters grew weaker. By the middle of 1876, the war was ending. Many important leaders and fighters were captured. These included Dato Maharaja Lela, Sultan Abdullah II, and Ngah Ibrahim.
Dato Maharaja Lela was captured and punished in Matang in 1877. Two of his followers were also punished. Sultan Abdullah II and Ngah Ibrahim were sent away to the Seychelles. With these captures, direct opposition to British control in Perak came to an end.
