British Army transport, North West Frontier, 1919

Photograph, India, North West Frontier, 1919.

During the 3rd Afghan War (1919) and the revolt in Waziristan (1919-1920) the ability to move men and supplies quickly by motor transport proved extremely valuable. Motor vehicles were 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 367 photographs compiled by W K Fraser-Tytler (later Ambassador at Kabul).