The March to Kandahar: Roberts in Afghanistan

The March to Kandahar: Roberts in Afghanistan

by Rodney Atwood

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4785 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	233 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The March to Kandahar is a detailed account of the British military campaign in Afghanistan in 1878-1880. The book was written by Frederick Roberts, who commanded the British forces during the campaign. Roberts provides a vivid description of the terrain, the battles, and the challenges faced by the British troops.

The book begins with a description of the political situation in Afghanistan in the late 1870s. The British were concerned about the growing influence of Russia in the region, and they feared that Afghanistan might become a base for Russian operations against India. In 1878, the British sent a mission to Kabul to negotiate a treaty with the Afghan emir, Sher Ali Khan. However, the mission was unsuccessful, and the British decided to invade Afghanistan.

Roberts's army crossed the border into Afghanistan in November 1878. The British quickly captured Kandahar, but they faced stiff resistance from the Afghan forces. The Afghans were well-armed and they knew the terrain well. The British also had to contend with the harsh Afghan winter.

Despite the challenges, Roberts's army eventually reached Kabul in September 1879. Sher Ali Khan had fled the city, and the British installed a new emir, Abdur Rahman Khan. However, the British soon found themselves facing a new threat. Ayub Khan, one of Sher Ali Khan's sons, had raised an army and was marching on Kabul.

Roberts decided to meet Ayub Khan in battle. The two armies clashed at the Battle of Maiwand on July 27, 1880. The British were outnumbered and outgunned, and they were forced to retreat. The Battle of Maiwand was a major setback for the British, and it led to the resignation of Roberts.

Despite the setback at Maiwand, the British eventually prevailed in Afghanistan. Ayub Khan was defeated in a subsequent battle, and Abdur Rahman Khan was able to establish a stable government. The British withdrew from Afghanistan in 1881, but they retained a strong influence in the country.

The March to Kandahar is an essential read for anyone interested in British military history or the history of Afghanistan. Roberts provides a detailed and vivid account of the campaign, and he offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by the British troops.

The Terrain

The terrain of Afghanistan is mountainous and rugged. The Hindu Kush mountains run through the center of the country, and they are covered in snow for much of the year. The valleys are narrow and often filled with rivers. The climate is extreme, with hot summers and cold winters.

The terrain posed a significant challenge to the British troops. They had to march through difficult terrain, and they were often exposed to the elements. The British also had to contend with the lack of food and water in the country.

The Battles

The British fought a number of battles during the campaign in Afghanistan. The most significant battles were the Battle of Kandahar, the Battle of Maiwand, and the Battle of Kabul.

The Battle of Kandahar was fought on January 8, 1879. The British army, led by Roberts, defeated the Afghan army, led by Sher Ali Khan. The British victory at Kandahar opened the way for the British to march on Kabul.

The Battle of Maiwand was fought on July 27, 1880. The British army, led by Roberts, was defeated by the Afghan army, led by Ayub Khan. The British defeat at Maiwand was a major setback for the British, and it led to the resignation of Roberts.

The Battle of Kabul was fought on September 1, 1880. The British army, led by Roberts, defeated the Afghan army, led by Ayub Khan. The British victory at Kabul secured the British position in Afghanistan.

The Challenges

The British troops faced a number of challenges during the campaign in Afghanistan. The terrain was difficult, the climate was extreme, and the Afghans were well-armed and motivated.

The British also had to contend with the lack of food and water in the country. The British supply lines were often stretched thin, and the troops were often forced to go without food for days at a time.

Despite the challenges, the British troops eventually prevailed in Afghanistan. They were able to defeat the Afghan army and establish a stable government in the country.

The March to Kandahar is a detailed and vivid account of the British military campaign in Afghanistan in 1878-1880. Roberts provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the British troops, and his book is an essential read for anyone interested in British military history or the history of Afghanistan.

The March to Kandahar: Roberts in Afghanistan

by Rodney Atwood

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4785 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	233 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE