Last Stand at Gandanak

176 years ago today in 1842, the survivors of a retreating British column make a last stand during the Anglo-Afghan war.

The conflict arose from the British intervening in a secession dispute between Afghan kings. While initially successful, the British were forced to evacuate Kabul after the tides turned against them. Starting January 6th, a column 4,500 troops and 12,000 civilians marched through harsh winter conditions and were picked apart while trying to reach a friendly garrison in the city of Jalalabad. Friendly Afghan tribesmen betrayed and stalled the column from moving effectively. Towards the end a group of about 60 Europeans with only 20 working muskets chose to make their stand and held off waves of melee attackers while being sniped. A handful of wounded soldiers were taken prisoner and it was considered one of the worst disasters in British military history until the upcoming Boer and World Wars. Only one European managed to make it back to friendly territory, Dr. William Brydon. The British launched a successful punitive campaign the following year against Afghanistan.

Some of the earliest evidence that Europeans have always had issues being involved in Afghanistan...

(Image is of last stand of survivors of the 44th Foot at Gandamak)

[Online References]

(https://www.britishbattles.com/first-afghan-war/battle-of-kabul-and-the-retreat-to-gandamak/ )

(https://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21570668-unnecessary-war-bloody-occupation-and-ignominious-retreat-lessons-unlearned )

(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/opinion/09dalrymple.html )

An account of the battle from one of the only survivors assistant surgeon Dr. William Brydon: 

(http://www.khyber.org/publications/011-015/brydonreport.shtml )

Author R.E. Foy