Armoured vehicles of the Seranni Column on reconnaissance, Kaur Bridge, Waziristan, 1919

Photograph, North West Frontier, India, 1919.

Around 10,000 troops from the Indian Army took part in the campaign in Waziristan in 1919-1920 to re-establish British control of the border areas. Motor transport proved extremely valuable via its ability to move men and supplies quickly, and it was surprisingly capable of dealing with the unmetalled roads of the frontier regions. The main problem was the shortage of vehicles. There was also a tactical issue, never adequately resolved, of how best to protect motor convoys moving at speeds beyond the protection of the foot soldier or cavalryman.

From an album of 116 photographs taken and compiled by T M Layng, 62nd Brigade, Waziristan Force, May 1919 to September 1920.