Sir David Baird: A Hero's Ordeal and Triumph - The Perseverance of a Scottish Soldier

Sir David Baird, a distinguished British commander, is known for his remarkable military career and his resilience in the face of adversity. One of the most significant chapters in his life was his capture by Hyder Ali's forces after the Battle of Perimbancum in 1780. During his harsh captivity, which lasted until 1784, Baird endured unimaginable hardships, including being put in irons.

Early Life and Military Aspirations

To understand the depth of Sir David Baird's resilience and determination, it is essential to start with his early life. Born on December 6, 1757, in Edinburgh, Baird hailed from a junior branch of the Bairds of Auchmedden, Aberdeenshire. His father's early death when he was just eight years old marked the beginning of a challenging journey.

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Despite the adversity, Baird displayed a profound inclination for a military life from a young age. His journey into the military world began on December 16, 1772, when he joined the army as an ensign in the second foot regiment. Before fully embracing his military career, Baird attended Locie's academy at Chelsea, where he honed his knowledge of military tactics and underwent rigorous training.

Baird's commitment to duty and discipline was evident early on. A noteworthy incident occurred when he was on sentry duty at Mr. Locie's academy. His steadfastness and determination were on full display when he refused to let a senior companion pass, even offering to be knocked down rather than neglect his duty. This unwavering dedication would define his military career.

The Battle of Perimbancum

Baird's military journey took him to Gibraltar in April 1773, where he joined his regiment. However, it was his deployment to India that would prove to be a pivotal moment in his life. In January 1780, Baird's regiment arrived in Madras, India, and he immediately found himself in the midst of action.

The Battle of Perimbancum, fought in September 1780, would become a defining moment for Baird. Hyder Ali, the formidable ruler of Mysore, led his vast army against the British forces in India. A critical moment in the battle occurred when British forces, including Baird, attempted to reinforce Colonel Baillie, who was in a precarious position.

Baird's gallant actions during this battle are well-documented. He commanded the grenadier and infantry companies of Lord Macleod's regiment, fighting with remarkable heroism. The British forces were surrounded and attacked on all sides by overwhelming numbers, including cavalry, infantry, and artillery.

Despite facing insurmountable odds and continuous attacks, Baird's men, especially his grenadiers, displayed remarkable discipline and cool-headedness. Even in the chaos and peril of battle, they maintained precision and steadiness in their evolutions. The battle was a brutal struggle, lasting for three hours, and the British forces, though greatly outnumbered, began to gain the upper hand.

The Turning Point and Captivity

Victory seemed within reach for the British forces at the Battle of Perimbancum. However, an unforeseen and tragic turn of events changed the course of the battle. The British artillery, desperately needed to hold their ground, suffered a catastrophic blow when the ammunition tumbrils suddenly exploded, causing immense destruction.

The loss of ammunition was devastating, and it provided Hyder Ali's forces with a second wind. Tippoo Saib, Hyder Ali's son, seized the moment and led a ferocious attack with cavalry, turning the tide of battle against the British. The British forces, now without ammunition, fought valiantly but were ultimately overwhelmed.

The British officers, including Colonel Baillie and Captain Baird, made one final, desperate attempt to rally their men. They formed a new square, fought with bayonets and swords, and resisted multiple attacks by fresh enemy troops. However, the relentless waves of attackers proved too much to withstand, and they were finally overrun.

As a last-ditch effort to save their lives, Colonel Baillie raised a flag of truce, requesting quarter for the survivors. The enemy initially promised mercy, but many British soldiers were still subjected to violence by Hyder Ali's forces. It was the intervention of French officers in Hyder's service that saved many lives.

Life in Captivity

The aftermath of the Battle of Perimbancum was a period of unimaginable suffering for the captured British soldiers, including Captain Baird. In October 1780, Baird and five other British officers were marched to one of Hyder's nearest forts. Later, they were transferred to Seringapatam, where they were joined by other captive countrymen. What followed was a grueling and protracted imprisonment.

Rumors circulated about the inhumane conditions faced by the prisoners, including the belief that Captain Baird was chained by the leg to another man. Although this specific claim turned out to be false, it did highlight the extreme hardships endured by the captives.

Conditions in Seringapatam were harsh, and the prisoners received meager rations, with each receiving only a gold fanam (approximately sixpence) per day for their sustenance. This paltry sum barely covered the cost of the most basic necessities. Baird, after recovering from a severe bout of dysentery, often suffered from hunger and malnutrition during his captivity, which further tested his resilience.

Hyder Ali's forces subjected the British prisoners to various forms of hardship and humiliation. They were often paraded through the streets of Seringapatam, serving as a spectacle for the local population. The prisoners' clothing, already tattered and inadequate, deteriorated further, adding to their misery.

One of the most challenging aspects of Baird's captivity was the lack of communication with the outside world. Cut off from news of the war's progress and the fate of their fellow soldiers, the prisoners were left in a state of uncertainty and despair. Isolation and the constant threat of violence from their captors weighed heavily on their spirits.

Despite these dire circumstances, Baird and his fellow prisoners continued to display remarkable fortitude and camaraderie. They maintained their military discipline and resolved to escape if the opportunity ever presented itself.

The Bid for Freedom

The turning point in Captain Baird's captivity came in the form of a daring escape plan. In 1782, a fellow captive named Colonel Humberston MacKenzie conceived a plan to break free from Seringapatam. MacKenzie was an engineer officer who had noticed a weakness in the fort's defenses.

MacKenzie, along with Baird and a few other officers, meticulously planned their escape. They managed to forge a set of keys for the prison doors and gather essential supplies. However, the most challenging part of the plan was yet to come—the actual escape from the heavily guarded fortress.

On a fateful night, the group executed their plan. They overpowered the sentries guarding their cell block and silently made their way through the darkened fortress. Climbing over walls and sneaking past guards, they finally reached the outer defenses. Baird's military training and leadership skills were invaluable during this perilous journey.

As dawn broke, the escapees found themselves outside the fortress walls, but they were still deep within enemy territory. They disguised themselves as natives and began a hazardous journey through the hostile landscape. Hunger, exhaustion, and the constant fear of being discovered haunted them every step of the way.

Rescued by a Friendly Maratha Chief

Captain Baird and his fellow escapees faced numerous trials and tribulations during their journey through India. They traveled on foot, often without proper footwear or adequate clothing, and endured harsh weather conditions. At one point, they found refuge in a friendly Maratha chief's village, who provided them with food and shelter.

The Maratha chief, sympathetic to their plight, offered to help Baird and his companions return to British-held territory. This act of kindness was a turning point in their journey to freedom. The chief provided them with horses and guides, allowing them to traverse the vast and perilous terrain.

The journey was still fraught with danger, as they had to navigate through areas infested with enemy soldiers and hostile tribes. Captain Baird's leadership and determination played a crucial role in keeping the group together and motivated.

Freedom and Return to England

After several months of treacherous travel, Captain Baird and his fellow escapees finally reached the British-held city of Tellicherry in February 1784. Their miraculous journey from captivity to freedom was celebrated as a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination.

Upon returning to England, Captain Baird was hailed as a hero and received a warm welcome from his countrymen. His story of captivity and escape captured the imagination of the British public and further elevated his reputation as a courageous and resilient soldier.

Legacy and Later Years

Sir David Baird's remarkable military career did not end with his return to England. He went on to serve in various military campaigns, including the campaigns against the French in Egypt and the Peninsular War. His leadership and bravery continued to earn him accolades and promotions.

Baird's contribution to the British Empire extended beyond the battlefield. He played a significant role in the administration of captured territories and the establishment of British rule in India. His dedication to duty and his reputation as a capable administrator were widely recognized.

In recognition of his services and accomplishments, David Baird was awarded several honors, including a knighthood and a baronetcy. He was made a Knight of the Bath and later became a full general in the British Army.