General Roberts on Vonolel, 1881 (c)

Photograph by John Burke, India, 1881 (c).

Roberts purchased his Arab charger 'Vonolel' while he was still a major soon after the Lushai Expedition of 1871-1872, during which he defeated the son of a locally renowned chief after whom the horse was named.

Although little bigger than a pony, 'Vonolel' was his master's only reliable horse during the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880) and carried Roberts on the celebrated march from Kabul to Kandahar. Thereafter he became a familiar sight at ceremonial parades and camps of exercise throughout India. He accompanied Roberts to Ireland where the latter served as Commander-in-Chief from 1895 to 1899.

From an album of 89 photographs by John Burke, compiled by Major General Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1881-1893.