The Military Train (1856)
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The Indian Mutiny
This involved the entire native army in Bengal.  For the usual reasons the European troops were insufficient and were without a transport service.  Delhi fell, the Cawpore garrison was massacred and Lucknow was besieged.

In 1857 the 2nd Battalion Military Train commanded by Major Roberton was en route to China when news of the Mutiny arrived.  They were diverted to India and equipped as light infantry.  The battalion completed their new task splendidly drawing praise for a career 'short but brilliant and eminently serviceable to the country'.  This service, which included the relief of Lucknow, was marked by awards of the Victoria Cross to Farrier Michael Murphy and Private Samuel Morley for gallantry in saving the life of the Adjutant of the 3rd Sikh Cavalry.

When fifteen battalions of the Land Transport Corps were reduced and the Military Train was formed, Colonel McMurdo was appointed Director General.  He retained the best officers and other ranks from his old Corps.  There were 3 battalions, each of 6 troops and having 27 officers, 480 other ranks and 546 horses.

The initial organisation of the Military Train  continued until 1865 when it was changed to a 24 troop establishment.  The numbering of these troops, from 1 to 24, have been carried through to succeeding units of the Army Service Corps, the Royal Army Service Corps and the Royal Corps of Transport. 
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