Kotah-ke-Serai on 17 June. Over the next two days, most rebels abandoned Gwalior while the British recaptured the city, although there was some desperate resistance before the fort fell. Last actions Most of the rebel leaders now surrendered or went into hiding, but Tatya Tope remained in the field. Aided by monsoon rains which delayed his pursuers, Tatya continued to dodge around Central India. Other leaders joined him, among them Rao Sahib, Man Singh, and Firuz Shah (who had been fighting in Rohilkhand). Eventually in April 1859, Tatya Tope was betrayed by Man Singh, and hanged. Review Indian historians criticise the conduct of the Indian princes, most of whom were self-interested or effete, and the lack of leadership among the sepoys. In the East India Company's Army, no Indian soldier could attain a rank greater than that equivalent to a subaltern or senior warrant officer. Most of the sepoys' officers were elderly men who had attained their rank through seniority while seeing little action and receiving no training as leaders. The rebellion therefore depended on charismatic leaders such as Tatya Tope and Rani Lakshmi Bai, who nevertheless were regarded with jealousy and animosity by many other princes. In many cases, the defenders of cities and fortresses fought well at first but were demoralised when relieving forces were defeated, and then abandoned easily defended positions without fighting. By contrast, Durand, Rose, and their principal subordinates had acted quickly and decisively. Many of their forces came from the Bombay Army, which was not disaffected to the same degree as the Bengal Army. Awards Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross (VC) was awarded for gallantry to a number of participants in the campaign. (see List of Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross recipients) Battle honour The battle honour was awarded to the bulk of regiments of the British Indian Army (vide Gazette of India No 4 of 1864, to the Hyderabad Contingent (vide 1014 of 1866 and 178 of 1878) and to the Merwara and Deoli Regiments (vide 78 of 1887 and 1146 of 1912). The honour is repugnant. Units awarded this honour were: 4th Hyderabad Cavalry - 8th King George's Own Light Cavalry 3rd Bombay Cavalry - Poona Horse 1st Hyderabad Cavalry - Deccan Horse 1st Sindh Horse - Scinde Horse Madras Sappers and Miners Bombay Sappers and Miners 19th Madras Infantry - 3rd Battalion, the Madras Regiment 12th Bombay Infantry - 5th Battalion, The