3-082-854 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Chitral Expedition: entrance into Bajur, Valley of Panjkora River, contested by Umra Khan's men on April 13, 1895. 'Sketch by an officer with the Force. King's Own Borderers, on the Sado side of the River. Bridge washed away after the Guides crossed; above is Sling and Cradle. Beach occupied by the Guides, who burned the Villages. Interesting sketches have been received from three gentlemen who have had exceptional opportunities of appreciating the difficulties and dangers surmounted by the force which eventually succeeded in relieving Chitral...Concerning the incident of the bridge over the river Panjkora, a correspondent writes as follows: The river was found to be practically unfordable for troops, though a few of the squadron of Guides' cavalry attached to the 2nd Brigade managed to get across. The sappers and miners at once set about building a bridge, which on April 12 was finished, and the Guides' infantry crossed the river; but hardly had they all reached the other side when the bridge was smashed up and carried away by several large logs. The Guides' [Queen's Own Corps of Guides] infantry proceeded up the valley, burning the villages all along'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.