Hostages taken at Khoord-Kabul

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Hostages taken at Khoord-Kabul
Part of 1st Afghan War 1839-42
Date: 9 January 1842
Location: Khoord Kabul, Afghanistan
Presidency: Bengal
Co-ordinates: approx 34.4382°N 69.47977°E
Result: British retreat
Combatants
British & Indians Various Afghan tribes
Commanders
Maj-Gen William Elphinstone
Brigadier John Shelton 		Mohammad Akbar Khan
Strength
Casualties

This was an event during the 1st Afghan War
For context see main article Retreat from Kabul to Gundamak

Hostages taken

This was the fourth day of the Retreat from Kabul to Gandamak. Akbar Khan insisted that the retreating army halt at Khoord-Kabul so that he could arrange supplies and escort for the onward journey. Capt Skinner who had been acting as go-between brought a proposition from Akbar Khan that the married families and widows be put under his protection. This was seen as the only way to save them more suffering and they were handed over with a number of wounded officers. After their departure it was realised that large numbers of the Shah's Irregular Cavalry and the Mission Escort were deserting. A parade of troops established that the 44th Regiment could only muster about 100 men and the native regiments about 60 each. The cavalry consisted of 100 troopers of the Irregular Horse and 70 of the 5th Light Cavalry. The promise of food and fuel was not fulfilled and another night was passed in cold and starvation.

Hostages

  • Capt. Troup, Brigade-major Shah's Force
  • Lieut. Mein, 13th Light Infantry
  • Lieut. Waller, Mrs Waller and child
  • Lieut. Eyre and Mrs Eyre
  • Lady Macnaghten
  • Lady Sale
  • Mrs Sturt (Lady Sale's daughter)
  • Mrs Trevor and seven children
  • Mrs Smith
  • Mrs Burnes
  • Two soldiers' wives
  • Seymour Stoker (rescued from kidnap)

External Links

Historical books on-line

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