Hard though the campaign was--and for some days the fate of our Indian Empire hung in the balance--no blame can be attached to the military authorities for any shortcomings that were disclosed during this campaign. On December 11 the Sikhs, crossing the Sutlej, cut in between Ferozepore and Umballa. On the following day the Commander-in-Chief moved out of Umballa to meet them. The din of battle was music in the ears of the war-worn Governor-General, and he blithely accompanied the army. On the 17th the Ludhiana division joined that of Umballa, and on the 18th the Sikhs and British met at Moodkee. Our troops had covered 150 miles in seven days, and, as Sir Charles Gough puts it in terse and soldier-like language, "wearied with long and incessant marching, the troops were enjoying a well-earned rest, when reports came in from the cavalry patrols that a large force of Sikhs was advancing upon them." Orders were at once given to fall in, and in a very few moments the force was formed in order of battle. The cavalry, with the horse artillery, immediately advanced, under Sir Hugh Gough's personal direction, and formed line in front of the Sikh position, the guns occupying the centre, with the cavalry on either flank. The infantry formed up in second line and moved forward. On the extreme right was Wheler's brigade, the next stood Bolton's, and then in succession a brigade of native regiments belonging to Gilbert's division, which had not yet been joined by the British battalions from Kussowlie; whilst to the left stretched Sir John McCaskill's division, which comprised the 9th (Norfolks) and the 80th (South Staffords), with three native battalions; and so commenced the opening scene in the drama which culminated at Goojerat two years later. MOODKEE, DECEMBER 18, 1845. This battle honour was conferred on the regiments present under Lord Gough at the stubbornly contested fight at Moodkee. It is now borne by the following regiments: 3rd Hussars. Norfolk. East Surrey. Royal West Kent. South Staffords. Gov.-General's Bodyguard. 3rd Skinner's Horse. 6th K.E.O. Cavalry. 5th Light Infantry. 7th Rajputs. Moving forward with his cavalry and horse artillery, Sir Hugh Gough opened a heavy fire on the Sikh line, in order to give time for his infantry to deploy and his field batteries to come up into line. Then the cavalry opened out and threatened both flanks of the enemy. The infantry pushed resolutely forward. They were received with equal resolution on the part of our gallant foes. Night put an end to the conflict, but the success was ours. Seventeen guns remained in our hands. Our losses had been most severe, numbering 872 of all ranks killed and wounded. CASUALTIES AT THE BATTLE OF MOODKEE.