[2] The party, being unfamiliar with the area, were caught in a Kandyan ambush at a point about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Badulla; the Ceylon Government Gazette of 4 July 1818 describes the events that then unfolded:[2][1][3] ...two fine soldiers of the 73rd Regiment, James Sutherland and William Chandler, were unfortunately killed upon the spot.

They were resolved not to abandon their Comrades even in death, nor to suffer their bodies to be insulted by a barbarous enemy; Lance Corporal McLaughlan with another European & 4 Native Soldiers volunteered to fight their way to Badulla where they might procure assistance.

The remaining 2 Europeans & 8 Natives formed themselves into a circle round the dead bodies which they had previously removed to a spot of open ground while the Corporal and his companions made their way good to Badulla followed and constantly fired at by numerous Rebels; the determined band posted round the bodies was assailed for upwards of two hours by strong parties of Kandians who, urged on by their Chiefs from the Hills, for they always keep at a distance themselves, advanced within 150 or 200 yards & poured in volleys of Musketry.

The cool intrepidity of the Soldiers was shewn in the judicious reserve of their fire, for they never returned more than two shots at a time, which were sufficient to keep off the dastardly enemy until Lieut.

[1] The medal had a diameter of 1.5 inches (38 mm), with the obverse bearing the inscription "CEYLON 1818" surrounded by a wreath of bay and oak leaves, while the reverse had "REWARD OF MERIT" around the edge, with the recipient's name engraved in the centre.