Abyssinia, 1868. Charge of the 23rd Pioneers at Arrogee, 10 April 1868

Watercolour en grisaille by William Barns Wollen, 1910.

Soldiers of the 23rd (Punjab) Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry (Pioneers) attack Abyssinia forces at Arrogee, near Magdala on 10 April 1868.

The primary objective of the expedition to Abyssinia (1867-1868) was to secure the release of British hostages held by Emperor Tewodros II (or King Theodore) of Abyssinia. The expeditionary force advanced over 600 km of difficult country to the capital, Magdala, near to which the decisive action was fought.