The Battle of Kandahar

The second Anglo-Afghan war occurred between 1878 and 1880. Though initially concerned with Russian influence in the region, the murder of the British representative at Kabul, Sir Louis Cavagnari, on September 3rd 1879, and subsequent defeat of the uprising connected with it, left simmering resentment against the British amongst the local population. In mid-1880 the Afghan leader, Ayub Khan, rose up in revolt and defeated a small British force at the Battle of Maiwand and besieged Kandahar. In response to this, General Frederick Roberts, commanding British and Indian forces, led a rapid march from Kabul to Kandahar to put down the rebellion. He engaged the Afghan forces at the Battle of Kandahar on September 1st 1880 and all troops who took part in the famous ‘Kabul to Kandahar March’ were awarded the Kabul to Kandahar Star in recognition of their feat.  

During the battle Gurkha troops captured examples of Afghan artillery, one of which is still held by today’s Royal Gurkha Rifles.