Battle of Hykulzye
| 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
- Five coys 41st Regiment of Foot
- Six coys 21st and 25th Bombay Native Infantry
- One troop of 3rd Bombay Cavalry
- 50 Poona Horse
- Four guns Horse Artillery under Capt Leslie
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)