Clive decides to launch a surprise attack…
February 1756 CE
At midnight, a force of six hundred sailors, a battalion of six hundred and fifty Europeans, one hundred artillery-men, eight hundred sepoys and six six-pounders approach the Nawab's camp.
At 6:00, under the cover of a thick fog, the vanguard comes upon the Nawab's advanced guard, who, after firing with their matchlocks and rockets, run away.
They continue forward for some distance until they are opposite Omichund's garden, when they heard the galloping of cavalry on their right.
The cavalry comes within thirty yards (twenty-seven meters) of the British force before the line gives fire, killing many and dispersing the rest.
The fog hampers visibility beyond walking distance.
Hence, the line moves slowly, infantry and artillery firing on either side randomly.
Clive had intended to use a narrow raised causeway, south of the garden, to attack the Nawab's quarters in the garden.
The Nawab's troops have barricaded the passage.
At about 9:00, as the fog begins to lift, the troops are overwhelmed by the discharge of two pieces of heavy cannon from across the Maratha Ditch by the Nawab's artillery.
The British troops are assailed on all sides by cavalry and musket-fire.
The Nawab troops now made for a bridge a mile further on, cross the Maratha Ditch and reach Calcutta.
The total casualties of Clive's force are fifty-seven killed and one hundred and thirty-seven wounded.
The Nawab's army has lost twenty-two officers of distinction, six hundred common men, four elephants, five hundred horses, some camels and a great number of bullocks.