3-052-444 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Afghan War: defence of the British position at Sherpore, Cabul - the Gatling Gun bastion on Dec. 23 preparing to repel the attack of the Ghazies, 1880. 'The repulse by General Sir F. Roberts, on Dec. 23, of the formidable attack by the Ghazis, or Mussulman fanatics of Afghanistan, on the British fortified camp of Sherpore, just outside the city of Cabul, has only been shortly narrated in this Journal...Among the guns captured during the campaign were a complete battery of siege guns presented to Shere Ali some years ago by the British Government...large bodies of [Afghan] men, encouraging one another with wild yells, were making demonstrations of attempting an escalade. These were, however, subjected to a heavy and constant fire from the four 18-pounders, with occasional shells from the 8-in. howitzers and Afghan mountain guns...About eleven in the forenoon the General received information that the Ghazis were leaving the village...The city and Bala Hissar were accordingly occupied next day. General Hills, the military governor of the city, resumed his functions on the 25th, and was heartily welcomed by all the peaceable inhabitants'. From a sketch by Surgeon W. A. Simmons (or Simmonds). From "Illustrated London News", 1880.