Kabul from Asmai, 1879

Photograph, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1879.

This view of Kabul from Asmai was photographed by an unknown member of the Bengal Sappers and Miners during the occupation of the Afghan capital by the Kabul Field Force. Major-General Sir Frederick Roberts' soldiers had entered the city on 8 October 1879, but the following month they were forced to fall back to Sherpur cantonment after an Afghan uprising.

Roberts was then besieged for three weeks by an estimated 50,000 Afghan regulars and tribesmen led by Mohammed Jan. On 14 December 1879 the British made a foray against the Afghans gathered on the Asmai Heights that overlooked the city and cantonment. On 23 December the cantonment was subjected to a major Afghan attack, but Roberts' men held out. They defeated the Afghans and then reoccupied Kabul.

From album of 46 photographs associated with Sir F S Roberts, Commissariat Department.