Occupation of Kabul Sept 1842
| Occupation of Kabul Sept 1842 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part of 1st Afghan War 1839-42 | ||
| Date: | 15 September-12 October 1842 | |
| Location: | Kabul, Afghanistan | |
| Presidency: | not in British India | |
| Co-ordinates: | 34.528456°N 69.171705°E | |
| Result: | British occupation | |
| Combatants | ||
| British & Indians | Afghans | |
| Commanders | ||
| Maj Gen George Pollock | ||
| Strength | ||
| Casualties | ||
This was an event during the 1st Afghan War
For context see main article Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Synopsis
General Pollock's army reached Kabul on 15 September and General Nott arrived two days later. The hostages reached freedom on 21 September and the last Afghan force was defeated at Istalif on 29 September.
The British wanted to leave a mark of retribution on the city. They were persuaded to spare the fortress of the Balla Hissar but determined to destroy the grand bazaar. This was carried out on 9 & 10 October. The military intended to limit the destruction but were unable to prevent soldiers and camp followers from a frenzy of general pillage which left many ruined or dead and a large part of the city burned out. On 12 October the combined armies set out for Peshawar.
External Links
1st Afghan War Wikipedia
Battle of kabul Wikipedia
Pollock arrives at Kabul Google Books
Release of the Captives Google Books
Destruction of the Bazaar and Departure from Kabul on 12 October Google Books
Historical books on-line
History of the War in Afghanistan Vol III (1841-1842) - Destruction of the Grand Bazaar by John William Kaye Revised Edition (1858)
