Battle of Istalif
| Battle of Istalif | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part of 1st Afghan War 1839-42 | ||
| Date: | 29 September 1842 | |
| Location: | Estalef, Afghanistan | |
| Presidency: | Bengal | |
| Co-ordinates: | 34.833330°N 69.133330°E | |
| Result: | British victory | |
| Combatants | ||
| British & Indians | Various Afghan tribes | |
| Commanders | ||
| Maj Gen George Pollock Maj Gen John McCaskill |
Amin Ullah Khan Loghuri | |
| Strength | ||
| Casualties | ||
This was an event during the 1st Afghan War
For context see main article Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Synopsis
Following the reoccupation of Kabul the last remnants of the hostile Afghan tribes were a threat to the intended withdrawal. General Pollock sent Maj-Gen McCaskill north to Istalif where he defeated the Afghans. Those who did not escape were killed and the town partially destroyed.
Field Force
Artillery
- Capt Backhouse's Mountain Train
- Capt Blood's Battery of 9 pounders (Bombay)
- Two 18 pounders
Cavalry
- HQ and two squadrons HM Light Dragoons
- Capt Christie's Corps of Cavalry
Infantry
- Brig Tulloch's Brigade except 60th N.I.
- Capt Broadfoot's Sappers and Miners
- Brig Stacy's Brigade
External Links
1st Afghan War Wikipedia
1st Afghan War Somerset Record Office
Action at Istalif Google Books
McCaskill's despatch Google Books
Historical books on-line
History of the War in Afghanistan Vol III (1841-1842) by John William Kaye Revised Edition (1858) Battle of Istalif Google Books
History of the Afghans by Joseph Pierre Ferrier 1858 Outrages at Istalif Google Books