Second Burmese War

The Second Burmese War took place in 1852. It was one of the three wars that were fought between Burma and the British during the 19th century, and which resulted in the gradual extinction of Burmese independence.

On March 15, 1852 Lord Dalhousie sent an ultimatum to King Pagan, announcing that hostile operations would be commenced if all his demands were not agreed to by April 1. Meanwhile a force consisting of 8,100 troops had been despatched to Rangoon under the command of General H. T. Godwin, C.B., while Commodore Lambert commanded the naval contingent. No reply being given to this letter, the first blow of the Second Burmese War was struck by the British on April 5, 1852, when Martaban was taken.

Rangoon town was occupied on the 12th, and the Shwe Dagn pagoda on the 14th, after heavy fighting, when the Burmese army retired northwards. Bassein was seized on May 19, and Pegu was taken on June 3, after some sharp fighting round the Shwe-maw-daw pagoda. During the rainy season the approval of the East India Company's court of directors and of the British government was obtained to the annexation of the lower portion of the Irrawaddy Valley, including Prome.

Lord Dalhousie visited Rangoon in July and August, and discussed the whole situation with the civil, military and naval authorities. In consequence General Godwin occupied Prome on October 9 after but slight resistance. Early in December Lord Dalhousie informed King Pagan that the province of Pegu would henceforth form part of the British dominions, and that if his troops resisted the measure his whole kingdom would be destroyed.

The proclamation of annexation was issued on January 20, 1853, and thus the Second Burmese War was brought to an end without any treaty being signed.