Battle of Hykulzye

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Battle of Hykulzye
Part of 1st Afghan War 1839-42
Date: 28 March 1842
Location: Haikalzai, Pishin, Pakistan
Presidency: Bengal
Co-ordinates: 30.621408°N 66.923589°E
Result: British defeat
Combatants
British & Indians Various Afghan tribes
Commanders
Brigadier-General Richard England Mahomed Sadig
Strength
about 1,070 total
470 involved in action
2,000
Casualties
27 killed
71 wounded
approx 30 killed and 50 wounded

Synopsis

Political Officers in Scinde determined to reinforce General Nott at Kandahar. Half the troops made their way to Quetta under Brig-Gen Richard England leaving the remainder under Major Simmons to follow from Dadur. Supplies proved difficult to obtain so England moved 30 miles east to Hykulzye to await Simmons. There on 28 March he found Mahomed Sadeg's forces in entrenched positions on heights overlooking a narrow defile. Four infantry companies were ordered to storm the hill on the right but were unable to penetrate the enemy's breastworks and were repulsed with considerable loss. Capt May of the 41st was shot dead along with 16 of his men. As they retreated 100 cavalry came from behind the hill and attacked the reserve. Major Apthorpe of the 20th NI was cut down and, though rescued, died two days later. Unable to break the infantry squares the enemy drew off and England's force made its way 3 miles north east to camp the night. In the morning it was clear that the Afghan strength had increased. England decided that the only course was to return to Quetta.

England's Forces

Biographies

Entries in the Dictionary of Indian Biography 1906:
Richard England (1793-1883)
William Nott (1782-1845)

External Links

1st Afghan War Wikipedia
Afghan Wars Heritage History
1st Afghan War Somerset Record Office

Historical books on-line

Memorials of Affghanistan - Action at Kykulzye by J H Stocqueler 1863 (Google Books)
History of the War in Afghanistan Vol III (1841-1842) - Action at Hykulzye by John William Kaye Revised Edition (1858)