Damaged lorries at Thal, 1919 (c)

Photograph, 3rd Afghan War (1919).

The fort at Thal guarded the strategically vital Kurram valley. On the outbreak of the 3rd Afghan War (1919), it was garrisoned by four under-strength battalions of Sikhs and Gurkhas and a squadron of Indian cavalry under the command of Brigadier-General Alexander Eustace. They were soon besieged by a large Afghan regular force under the command of General Nadir Khan.

The Afghans were able to occupy a tower 500 yards (460 m) from the fort and from there they were able to set fire to several food dumps and destroy transport. Although under constant attack for a week the garrison held out until they were relieved on 2 June 1919 by a brigade from Peshawar led by Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer.

One of 267 photographs probably compiled by Private A E Neal, 2/6 Bn the Royal Sussex Regiment, India 1916-1919.