'Thal in the Kurram, showing the road bridge over the Kurram river to Parachinar', 1920 (c)

Photograph by Randolph Bezzant Holmes (1888-1973), India, North West Frontier, 1920 (c).

The fort at Thal guarded the strategically vital Kurram valley. On the outbreak of the 3rd Afghan War (1919), it was garrisoned by four under-strength battalions of Sikhs and Gurkhas and a squadron of Indian cavalry under the command of Brigadier-General Alexander Eustace. They were soon besieged by a large Afghan regular force under the command of General Nadir Khan. The Afghans were able to occupy a tower 500 yards (460 metres) from the fort and from there they were able to set fire to several food dumps. Although under constant attack for a week the garrison held out until they were relieved on 2 June 1919 by a brigade from Peshawar led by Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer.

From an album of 73 photographs relating to the North West Frontier, 1919-1920.