Bitesize history

[Walsingham]

I was just reviewing the battle of Maiwand - as you do - to refresh my memory.

 

I found an account, during the general retreat, of the 66th foot after the battle. Their end was recorded by the Afghans themselves, for there were no survivors. Having taken many casualties they first assumed residence in a fortified compound, and unfurling both Colours beat off charge after charge of the enemy. The commanding Major, a lieutenant of Bombay Sappers & Miners, a Lieutenant of the 66th, and a number of sergeants and corporals held the colours while all around khaki figures, parched with black powder, wounds, and a hard day's fighting struggled with the enemy. Flame, bloodshed, and the roar of attacking artillery were all pervasive.

 

To quote from an Afghan officer: "Surrounded by the whole of the Afghan army, they fought on until only eleven men were left, inflicting enormous losses on the enemy. ...These men charged out of the garden and died with their faces to the foe, fighting to the death. Such was the nature of their charge, and the grandeur of their bearing that although the whole of the ghazis were assembled round them, no on dared approach to cut them down. Thus, standing in the open, back to back, firing steadily and truly, every shot telling, surrounded by thousands, these officers and men died; and it was not until the last man was shot down that the ghazis dared advance upon them. The conduct of these men was the admiration of all who witnessed it..."