Action at Kandahar

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Action at Kandahar
Part of 1st Afghan War 1839-42
Date: 29 May 1842
Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan
Presidency: Bengal
Co-ordinates: 31.61088°N 65.700272°E
Result: British victory
Combatants
British and Indians Durrani tribesmen
Commanders
Maj Gen Sir William Nott Aktar Khan
Atta Mahomed
Prince Sufter Jung
Strength
6,000
Casualties
1 killed
51 wounded
400 killed and wounded

This was an event during the 1st Afghan War
For context see main article General Nott at Kandahar

Synopsis

After declaring friendship with the British Aktar Khan once again threw in his lot with the Durrani chiefs. Believing that Nott's reduced force was insufficient to defend Kandahar and to fight an action outside the walls, on 29 May 1842 he crossed the Urgandab River and approached within a mile of the city with a force of 6,000 horse and foot. General Nott sent out Colonel Stacy with two regiments of infantry to disperse the enemy and, when it was clear they were determined on an engagement, he set out himself with the 41st Foot. The tribesmen were occupying some low hills which were stormed and the cavalry cut up the fugitives. Major Rawlinson with the Parsewan Horse pursued the enemy almost capturing Atta Mahomed. The Ghazis retreated towards the Baba Wullee Pass and Nott drew off his attack. The next day the Durrani force split up and were no longer a threat to the Kandahar garrison. Shortly afterwards Prince Sufter Jung surrendered.

Field Detachment

Biographies

Entries in the Dictionary of Indian Biography 1906:
William Nott (1782-1845)
Henry Rawlinson (1810-1895)

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 Kandahar by J H Stocqueler 1863 (Google Books) History of the war in Afghanistan, Volume 2 - Reappearance of Aktur Khan by Sir John William Kaye 1851 (Google Books)