1-152-446 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

The storming of Magdala, Ethiopia, 13 April 1868. Troops under the command of General Robert Cornelius Napier, (1810-1890) assaulting the Abyssinian fortress of Magdala. Napier commanded a punitive expedition sent to Abyssinia by the British government in 1867. He succeeded in decisively defeating the Abyssinians as well as liberating a number of captured British diplomats. He was granted a peerage, taking the title First Baron of Magdala, and was made a Field-marshal in 1883. Coloured lithograph from 'The Battle of Abyssinia', divertimento composed by John Pridham c1868.