Withdrawal from Afghanistan

	See our interactive map of The March from Peshawar to Kabul locations and routes on Google Maps

Synopsis

The process of withdrawal from Afghanistan began paradoxically with two armies advancing on Kabul. General Elphinstone's army had been destroyed in the disastrous retreat from Kabul and Shah Shujah, who had been restored to the throne by the British, had been murdered. General Pollock forced the Khyber Pass in April 1842 to join with General Sale who had been besieged at Jalalabad. General Nott meanwhile had been occupying Kandahar for the previous two years. Lord Ellenborough, who succeeded Lord Auckland as Governor-General, was in favour of withdrawal of the troops but there was strong public opinion that the humiliations should be avenged before the British left. He therefore gave the generals discretion to withdraw via Kabul.

General Nott left Kandahar on 9 August 1842, stormed Ghazni and fought successful acctions at Mookoor, Ghoaine, Benee Budam and Maidan, and arrived at Kabul on 17 September.

External Links

The March from Kabul to Peshawar Google Books