The documentary "The Devil's Wind" traces the experiences of two families whose ancestors served during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 by the filmmaker Phillip Geddes and Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff. During a 2007 trip to India, they used historical records to film the key sites of the rebellion, including where their ancestors died, bringing to life this pivotal moment that saw the near collapse of British rule in India through a dramatic retelling of events. The film includes interviews with author William Dalrymple on the causes of the rebellion and Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff on the battle tactics.

1. The Devil’s Wind
Produced by Phillip Geddes (Former BBC Producer and Writer)
Storming of Kashmir Gate Delhi, on 14th September 1857.
THE DEVILS’S WIND
The first and largest ever revolt by a colonial population against British Imperial rule took place in
India in 1857. The Rising, whether you call it the Sepoy Mutiny or the First war of Independence
brought the British Colonial rule in India to a near collapse.
This film traces the experience of two families – those of Phillip Geddes (A former BBC Producer
and Writer) and Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff, both of whose ancestors served and died
during the events of 1857. During a trip to India in the summer of 2007, the two families tracked
down using historical records –the places and circumstances of their deaths- and filmed all the key
sites of the 1857 campaign (including many never seen before). The result is a dramatic and exciting
account of a tumultuous event in the history of both Britain and India. History truly comes
alive……….
Includes detailed interviews with
Author William Dalrymple on
causes of the Rising and
on battle tactics and strategies by
Lieutenant General Sir Richard
Shirreff KCB, CBE, Commander
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (NATO
Forces, Europe)