3-082-807 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Chitral Expedition: the Chitral Relief Force crossing the Swat River, 1895. The British Army in India, from a sketch by Lieutenant C. H. Elger, 1st Bedfordshire Regiment. 'We are able to give several interesting sketches by officers who were present at the storming of the Malakand Pass. These Illustrations are bound to impress our readers more accurately than has been hitherto possible with the short and sharp conflict which preceded victory. It would be unjust not to recognise the courage with which the Swats [ie inhabitants of the Swat Valley in what is now Pakistan] attempted to bar the British advance. [Our] Illustrations show the fording of the Swat River, and the fierce onrush of the Swats upon a small company of British soldiers. Mr. Rudyard Kipling has in the brief history of the Chitral Expedition plenty of material for stirring songs anent the events which have made us all proud of the Army; and his knowledge of India ought to inspire his muse. General Gatacre will shortly proceed to Chitral: he is detained until he receives his full supplies. Sir R. Low is on his way thither. Umra Khan has reached Cabul [Kabul], and there is every sign of a settling down of the turbulent elements'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.