Members of the Royal Artillery, 1879 (c)

Photograph by John Burke, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1879 (c).

After the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859), most artillery in India was manned by British soldiers of the Royal Artillery. However, Mountain Batteries remained in the hands of Indian gunners. The Mountain Batteries were equipped with light, portable guns ideally suited for service in the hilly terrain of Afghanistan and the frontier regions, whereas the heavier guns of the Royal Artillery were restricted to the plains and valley floors.

From an album of 60 photographs by John Burke associated with Major General Frederick Sleigh Roberts.