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The regiment formed the rearguard of the British Indian Army on the retreat from [[Kabul]] during the [[1st Afghan War]]. There were only eight survivors from the last stand at [[Battle of Gundamak|Gundamak]]. The regiment had to be reconstituted for the Crimean War.
: '''''Memorial in Alverstoke Church, near Gosport''' - "Sacred to the memory of Colonel T. Mackrell, ADC to Her Majesty. Major W.B. Scott, Captain T. Swaine, Captain R.B. McRea, Captain T.R. Leighton, Captain T. Robinson, Captain F.C. Collins, Lieutenant W.H. Dodgin, Lieutenant W.G. White, Lieutenant W.G. Wade, Lieutenant H. Cadett, Lieutenant S. Swinton, Lieutenant F.J.C. Fortye, Lieutenant A.W. Gray, Paymaster T. Bourke, Lieut. and Qr. Master R.B. Halahan, Surgeon J. Harcourt, Assistant Surgeon W. Balfour, Assistant Surgeon W. Primrose. And 645 non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the 44th Regiment, who fell upon the field of battle in the disastrous Affghan War of 1841 and 1842. They sank with arms in their hands unconquered, but overpowered by the united horrors of climate, treachery, and barbarous warfare; their colours saved by Captain J. Souter, one of the few survivors, hang above this stone, which is erected to their memory by the officers of the 44th Regiment, June 1844."'' (http://glosters.tripod.com/FAfghan.htm)
In consequence of the [[Indian Mutiny]], reinforcements had to be sent to all the Presidencies at short notice. The 44th had not long returned to England from the Crimea when it was selected as one of the regiments to reinforce India. On 26th August 1857 the regiment embarked for [[Madras]], arriving on 12th January 1858. The women and children were left at home. During the years 1858 and 1859, the regiment remained at [[Fort St George]], [[Madras]], from whence it proceeded on active service.
