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1st Afghan War

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'''THE 1ST ANGLO-AFGHAN WAR 1839-42'''
== Synopsis ==
In the face of continued expansion of the Russian Empire, Britain sought to secure the northwestern borders of British India by establishing [[Afghanistan]] as an ally and buffer. Under the pretext of restoring the former ruler [[Shah Shuja-ul-Mulk|Shah Shuja]] to the throne the British assembled an invading army. 21,000 troops under [[John Keane|Sir John Keane]] entered Afghanistan via [[Quetta]] occupying [[Kandahar]] and [[Kabul]]. The ruling Amir [[Dost MohammadMohammed|Dost Mohammad Khan]] was defeated and exiled to India. Shah Shujah was installed but it became clear that he did not have popular support and he was subsequently murdered.
In January 1842 there was a general uprising in Kabul and the invaders were besieged in the military cantonment. With only a few days supplies left, the Britsh were forced to agree terms dictated by [[Mohammad Akbar|Mohammad Akbar Khan]] the son of Dost Mohammad.This led to the disastrous retreat to [[Gundamak]] and the Siege of [[Jalalabad]]. A second invasion by the Army of Retribution was launched under [[George Pollock|Maj-Gen George Pollock]]. [[William Nott|General William Nott]] advanced from Kandahar meeting Pollock and recapturing Kabul. After releasing British prisoners and destroying Kabul bazaar the British returned to India.

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