Henry Gee Roberts

Sir Henry Gee Roberts, K.C.B. (1800–1860), was a major general and political agent who served with British East India Company and afterwards with British Raj in India.

He born at Chosen House, near Gloucester, on 18 July 1800, was second son of William Roberts, M.D., by Margaret, daughter of Roynon Jones. He obtained a cadetship in the British East India Company's service in 1818, and on 11 April 1819 was commissioned as lieutenant in the 13th native infantry, Bombay establishment. From 1820 to 1822, he served in Ahmedabad and Mahi Kantha against the coolies and others. He was promoted captain on 22 July 1824, and in 1825 he was given the command of the resident's escort in Cutch State, the resident being Major Henry Pottinger of his regiment.

Following the annexation of Cutch by Company, the amirs of Sindh encouraged the Khosas and other tribes to make incursions in region. So the force was raised to counter them and Roberts was placed in command of the Cutch irregular horse. He was soon afterwards employed politically, as assistant to the resident, and succeeded in establishing order and peace among the inhabitants of Thar, the district to the north of Cutch, who had hitherto been inveterate robbers and cattle-lifters.

After three years' furlough in England, Roberts was selected to raise a regiment of irregular cavalry in Gujarat, which he commanded till 1841. He had become major in the 13th native infantry on 9 November 1835, and in 1841 he was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel, commanding the 11th native infantry, from which he was transferred on 23 November to the 20th native infantry.

With 20th native infantry he took part in Charles James Napier's campaign in Sindh in 1843. As second in command he was left at Sukkur during Napier's advance on Hyderabad and was not present at Battle of Miani. He sent on reinforcements, which contributed to the British victory in Battle of Hyderabad. In May 1843, He was ordered to march towards Indus to Schwan, with fifteen hundred men, for battle against Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur. There he learnt that the brother of Sher Muhsmmad, with three thousand men, was encamped at Pirari, fourteen miles to the west. By a night march on 8 June, with a troop of horse and five companies of foot, he reached the camp. He sent his cavalry round to prevent a retreat, captured his brother and his weapons, and completely dispersed his force. Roberts then crossed to the left bank of the Indus participated in battle. Later he was sent back to Cutch as resident, with the command of the troops.

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