Draft:Battle of Bandar Tua

Battle of Bandar Tua
Part of Perak War (1875–1876)
Date 7 December 1875 Location Kampung Biak, Pasir Salak, Perak, British Malaya Result Maharaja Lela force victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom	Perak
Commanders and leaders
Major General Archibald Anson	Dato' Maharaja Lela Nakodah Orlong †
Strength
~200 troops	~300 warriors
Casualties and losses
High (exact numbers unknown)	Moderate (including Nakodah Orlong, killed in action)

The Battle of Bandar Tua was a critical engagement during the Perak War (1875–1876). Following the assassination of James W. W. Birch, the first British Resident of Perak, on 2 November 1875, the British launched a retaliatory offensive against Malay forces led by Dato' Maharaja Lela. On 7 December 1875, the British attempted to seize control of Pasir Salak by attacking the Malay stronghold but faced fierce resistance at Kampung Biak .

Background

The assassination of James W. W. Birch at Pasir Salak was a direct response to his imposition of British policies that undermined Malay sovereignty, particularly tax collection and administration. This sparked widespread rebellion under the leadership of Dato' Maharaja Lela and his allies.

In an effort to reassert control, the British planned an attack on Malay positions in Pasir Salak. However, the Malays, anticipating such a move, fortified key defensive points, including Kampung Biak.

The Battle

The Battle of Bandar Tua began with a British advance aimed at seizing Pasir Salak, a strategic location for controlling the Perak River. Anticipating this move, Malay forces under the command of Dato' Maharaja Lela established an ambush at Kampung Biak, a small but defensible village surrounded by dense forests and waterways. The Malay warriors, numbering around 300, prepared for a fierce engagement against the better-armed British forces.

As the British troops approached Kampung Biak, they encountered heavy resistance. Malay defenders, using the natural terrain to their advantage, launched a surprise attack, striking from concealed positions. Among the defenders were two scouts, Nakodah Orlong and Alang, who played crucial roles in the battle. Nakodah Orlong led the initial ambush, rallying his comrades with his leadership.Tragically, he was killed during the intense fighting.

Alang, refusing to leave his leader’s body behind, displayed extraordinary courage. Throughout the day, he defended Nakodah Orlong's body from capture, even as the battle raged on around him. As night fell, Alang made a daring decision to swim across the Perak River, carrying Nakodah Orlong's body back to the Malay base. This act of bravery became one of the most celebrated stories of the battle.

The British forces, despite their superior firepower, were unable to break the Malay resistance. Suffering heavy casualties, they were eventually forced to retreat, leaving the defenders victorious. The victory at Kampung Biak delayed the British campaign and demonstrated the determination and tactical prowess of the Malay forces.

Aftermath

The defeat at Kampung Biak delayed British efforts to capture Pasir Salak, showcasing the resilience and tactical skill of the Malay resistance. However, the British regrouped and eventually succeeded in quelling the rebellion by early 1876.

The bravery of figures like Nakodah Orlong and Alang remains a symbol of Malay defiance against colonial aggression.

Legacy

The Battle of Kampung Biak is remembered as a testament to the Malay struggle for independence. It is often highlighted in historical accounts of the Perak War for its depiction of unity and courage in the face of colonial forces.

References

• Lakaran Melayu by Sir Frank Swettenham
• Pangkor Treaty
• James W. W. Birch

See also

• Perak War
• Pasir Salak
• Dato' Maharaja Lela