Battle of Futtehabad

Hand coloured lantern slide.

The battle of Futtehabad on 2 April 1879 took place to the south west of Jellalabad. The Peshawar Valley Field Force had captured the latter city in November 1878 and then spent the winter there while awaiting the outcome of peace negotiations. During this period, the field force's lines of supply came under frequent attack from Afghan tribesmen. Brigadier General Gough was sent to deal with one of these tribes, the Kugianis, at Futtehabad.

After tempting the tribesmen out of their sangar with a feint cavalry attack, Gough drew them on to his waiting infantry. A heavy fire was opened on the tribesmen and the cavalry then turned and charged the Kugianis flank, driving them in headlong retreat. British and Indian casualties were six killed and 40 wounded. The Kugianis suffered 300 dead and 900 wounded.

One of 37 hand coloured lantern slides.