Thomas Reed (British Army officer)

Thomas Reed (1796 – 16 June 1868) was a British Army officer in the service of the East India Company. He is most notable for his role during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, specifically his command of forces during the Siege of Delhi.

Reed entered the Bengal Army in 1813 and served in various engagements throughout his career, including actions in the First Anglo-Burmese War and the First Anglo-Afghan War. He rose through the ranks, eventually reaching the rank of Major-General.

During the Indian Mutiny, Reed held the position of Adjutant-General of the Bengal Army. Following the initial outbreak and the death of Brigadier-General Sir Henry Barnard, Reed assumed command of the British forces besieging Delhi. He led the army through a difficult period, facing intense fighting and disease outbreaks within the ranks. However, due to illness, he was compelled to relinquish command to Major-General Archdale Wilson in July 1857.

After the fall of Delhi, Reed continued to serve in the army. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in recognition of his services during the Mutiny. He eventually retired from the army and died in Cheltenham, England, in 1868. He is remembered primarily for his leadership during a crucial phase of the siege of Delhi and for his distinguished career in the service of the East India Company.