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 | ||
| 900 | 6,000 | |
| Casualties | ||
| 2 wounded | 400 | |
Synopsis
Captain Craigie took occupation of Khelat-i-Ghilzie in November 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 relieving force there was nothing to do but dismantle the fortifications and return to Kandahar.
The 3rd Regiment of Shah Shulja's Infantry was renamed The Regiment of Khelat-i-Ghilzie in recognition of its bravery. The garrison was awarded the Defence of Khelat-i-Ghilzie Medal.
Garrison
- 600 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
Siege of Khelat Google Books
Attack on Khelat-i-Ghilzie 21 May 1842 Google Books
Craigie's despatch Google Books
Relief of Khelat Google Books
Khelat-i-Ghilzie Medal Google Books
Historical books on-line
Memorials of Affghanistan - Capt Craigie's account by J H Stocqueler 1863 (Google Books)