The Amir's 'Highland Guard', 1879 (c)

Photograph by John Burke, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1879 (c).

On the eve of the 2nd Afghan War, the Afghan regular army numbered 62 infantry regiments, 16 cavalry regiments and nearly 100 batteries of artillery. The most bizarre unit was the Amir's 'Highland Guard', attired in homage to the British Army's own Scottish highland regiments with pith helmets, red and white check 'kilts' worn over red trousers, and red doublet-style tunics.