3-082-707 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Chitral Expedition: view of the Malakand Pass, scene of the battle of the 3rd of April; Swat Valley and river in the distance, 1895. The British Army in India. 'Sketch by Major R. A. Hickson, 3rd Brigade of Buffs (East Kent Regiment). '...the Malakand Pass was successfully stormed by the Gordon Highlanders, the Guides, the Scottish Borderers, and some companies of the 4th Sikh Infantry. The British loss was comparatively trifling as regards numbers, three men being killed and about fifty injured. The enemy's loss was estimated to be nearly five hundred killed. The [Queen's Own Corps of] Guides led the way up through defiles 3000 ft. long to the top of the pass. When a quarter of a mile had been traversed a rapid succession of rifle-shots proved the nearness of the Swatis. The Maxim guns were soon placed in position, and for some hours did deadly work against the indomitable natives. At last the enemy's firing, which had been very erratic, slackened, and the Gordon Highlanders and Scottish Borderers were ordered to charge. By three o'clock in the afternoon the pass was in the hands of the British, and the enemy were scattered far and wide'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.