Short Histories of the Territorial Regiments of the British Army; Including the Names of the Officers and Soldiers Who Have Won the Victoria Cross, or the Distinguished Conduct Medal (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 Excerpt: ...of 1842 were often referred to. The first campaign was satisfactorily concluded, and the Ameer having consented to receive a British Resident in Cabul to watch over British interests, Sir Louis Cavagnari, with a small guard of native soldiers was sent to that city. For a second time, however, the treachery of the Afghans was experienced; and news came that after a gallant defence against overwhelming odds, the British Resident and his escort had been slain. A force, of which the Hampshire Regiment was part, under General--now Earl--Roberts again forced its way through the passes and defiles of Afghanistan, and after administering a severe chastisement to the Afghans at Charasiah, re-entered Cabul in 1879. While stationed in that city, the Afghans made many fierce attacks upon the troops, hoping to force them to repeat the disastrous retreat, amid the snows of winter, which, in 1842, had destroyed a British Army. The Hampshire Regiment, however, and its brave comrades never relaxed their hold on the city till, in 1880, the Afghans were compelled to accept a ruler pledged to maintain British interests; and the regiment returned to India, having gallantly earned the distinctions of "Charasiah," "Kabul," and "Afghanistan." In presenting the regiment with war medals for this campaign, Lord Roberts concluded his address to the meu by saying: "I seem to be the proper person to give them, and I am quite sure that no one has a better right to wear them, for no one did better service." Troubles in Burma next called the British troops into the field. In 1885 the Hampshire Regiment joined the force which easily dispersed King Theebaw's army, and entered Mandalay, when that august monarch and his many relatives were deported to In...