Siege of Khelat-i-Ghilzai
| Siege of Khelat-i-Ghilzai | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part of 1st Afghan War 1839-42 | ||
| Date: | 9 March-21 May 1842 | |
| Location: | Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan | |
| Presidency: | Bengal | |
| Co-ordinates: | 32.104205°N 66.907841°E | |
| Result: | British victory | |
| Combatants | ||
| British & Indians | Various Afghan tribes | |
| Commanders | ||
| Capt John Halket Craigie | ||
| Strength | ||
| Casualties | ||
Synopsis
Captain Craigie took occupation of Khela-i-Ghilzie in Novemeber 1841. At the end of the month he was reinforced by sepoys of the 43rd Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry provided by Colonel Maclaren on his return to Kandahar. In bitter winter weather the garrison worked to improve the defences and at the beginning of March they were besieged by Afghan tribesmen. The attackers dug trenches encircling the place and were able to fire from protected positions. On 21 May a major assault with scaling ladders was mounted but beaten off in a fierce battle which effectively ended the siege. When Colonel Wymer arrived with a relievibg force there was nothing to do but dismantle the fortifications and return to Kandahar.
Garrison
- 3rd Regiment of Shah's Infantry
- 43 European artillerymen
- Some Sappers and Miners
- 250 sepoys 43rd Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry
External Links
1st Afghan War Wikipedia
1st Afghan War Somerset Record Office
History of the War in Afghanistan Google Books
Siege of Khelat Google Books
Attack on Khelat-i-Ghilzie 27 May 1842 Google Books
Relief of Khelat Google Books