Motor transport on the frontier, 1919 (c)

Photograph by Randolph Bezzant Holmes (1888-1973), 3rd Afghan War, 1919 (c).

During the 3rd Afghan War (1919) and the revolt in Waziristan (1919-1920) 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 and the fact that what transport there was belonged to British Army units. This meant that Indian Army units still had to rely on slow moving pack animals. 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 43 photographs, 1920 (c)-1925 compiled by Major G A Clarke, 12th Pioneers (The Kelat-i-Ghilzie Regiment).