The Battle of Maiwand 1880 | 2nd Anglo Afghan War

[@williamtraynor-kean7214]

While at dinner in the Army & Navy Club when Tony Blair announced that British troops would be deployed to Afghanistan, a rather famous author and soldier remarked “do these people never read history?”

[@TheHistoryChap]

My dad said something similar at the time..on the lines of the Yanks don't know what they are going into but we Blinking well should!

[@barryalexander2909]

There was a cartoon in Soldier magazine with a squaddie in desert kit heading off to Afghanistan with ghosts of British soldiers looking on. The caption was 'Been there, done that. Hope you has better luck than we did'.

[@lastword8783]

Reminding Afghans and British of battle of Maiwand was a staple of Taliban PR and propaganda

[@lajoszlatos3285]

Thank you! It's another fantastic story (again) about the British military history! Thank you very much for everything & your storytelling talent!!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for your support.

[@fredazcarate4818]

Thank you Sir for your narrative of the battle.

[@joeritchie4554]

Another fantastic history lesson. It is amazing how much destruction comes about when orders are not thought through and are still given. Also, not knowing the terrain and being fully prepared for battle always leads to disastrous results.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment

[@tristansmyth6802]

Fantastic documentary! I know the Lion monument very well as our family moved to Reading when I was 7 years old; Maiwand was a byword of British defeat at the time of the Empire; we were all taught about it at school - General Lord Roberts is also well known to my family as my Great Grandfather was on the Roberts March, he was a driver, using 4 or 6 horses to pull the limber and artillery piece he was ordered to drive. I still have his Army paybook, which has some fascinating details. Thank you for bringing Maiwand to everyone's attention. I know it would have made my Great Grandfather very proud that we remembered this terrible situation for the British in Afghanistan.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Fascinating to hear about your great grandfather. I’m sure he could’ve told the story even better than me!

[@tristansmyth6802]

@@TheHistoryChap I forgot to mention that the men who took part in the 320-mile march known as "Lord Roberts March" were awarded the Kabul Khandahar Star - my Great Grandfather was awarded this star; it was awarded to both British and Indian soldiers, Officers, NCO's and Enlisted men alike for this was no ordinary march.

[@theblackprince1346]

A fascinating video Chris. It's a battle that up until today I'd never heard of before.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

[@barryalexander2909]

Another fabulous video, many thanks. I recall rumours that in 2007, Afghan elders complained to a senior officer about bad behaviour from British soldiers. When investigated, it turned out the complaint dated to the 1870s. Long memories indeed. Taliban propaganda always invoked the folk memory of Maiwand as a rallying call for the tribes.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Fascinating story thank you so much for sharing

[@robertevans9897]

Brilliant

[@edthilenius7530]

You, sir, are indeed the master of wonderful stories of English history. For the very first time in my 24-year marriage to my beautiful wife Debbie, she listened and watched this video. When it came time for the story of little Bobby the dog, she was deeply moved. Well done, my friend, as always. Superbly crafted, and we look forward to your next story. Until then, Cheers and be well.😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s such a lovely comment, thank you. I’m glad your wife enjoyed it too.

[@coult001]

Thanks for another great story, having served the UN in Pakistan during the 1980's I learned a lot about this period. Later at the Dutch Foreign Office as a securety advisor, I warned that sending NATO to Afghanistan on a "winning hearts and minds "mission would be a waste of time and lives! Read the history, I said. Nobody reacted. Keep up the great stories,Chris.

[@philhawley1219]

The moral of the story is not to invade Afghanistan. No one ever succeeds. Ask the Soviets in 1979.

[@toekneekerching9543]

@@philhawley1219 And yet this nation that stood up to the worlds biggest empires apparently couldnt stop a few illiterate taliban in old pickup trucks taking over the whole country in less than a month...

[@Lassisvulgaris]

@@toekneekerching9543 I suppose the latter war was a civil war (if wars can be civil)....

[@Trebor74]

​@@philhawley1219the moral is that you pay the "good guys" to fight "the bad guys" then leave them to it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.

[@Katmando376]

I recognise the paiting of the battle but didn't really know much about it. Well done, Bobby! Thanks Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@rtsesmelis]

Great story. Well told. Never heard about this battle before. Salute to all these brave men.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@nigelwillson6096]

Splendid, splendid. Always drawn to accounts of British Military conflicts in Afghanistan, Burma, South Africa, France and North Africa since ancestors on both sides of my family were involved in battles in those areas.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@majorronaldmandell7835]

Yes! Another capital story brought to life, a story Ihad never heard before!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@Antonnick]

In an article in one of the "British empire" books, that you have on the shelf behind you, I seem to remember reading that General "Bobs" achievement in getting his army from Kabul to Kandahar in record time was a fantastic accomplishment that for many years afterwards his organisation methods were feted. Having arrived in Kandahar the Afghans were completely routed after their fortress was stormed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanksk for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@73north]

I read My God, Maiwand" by Leigh Maxwell, and it gave the full story , including a forgotten last stand by Jacob's Rifles after the defeat

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing

[@OscarGomez-hx8zc]

Why , why , why would General Burrows sacrifice his army this way? The Battle of Maiwand was unknown to me, thanks Chris so much for your great , great work!

[@TheHistoryChap]

It’s my pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@harryshriver6223]

I was moved by the story of Bobby, the mongrel dog who fought at the Battle of Maiwand. What was so handsome about the cab that ran over him? It sounded like it was a tragic tale of overconfidence, and you were right, not paying attention to signs given to you. Another excellent triumph on the annals of history, bravo, amigo.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hi Harry, it was actually a Hanson Cab (horse drawn cab). Poor Bobby met his end in the town of Gosport, near Portsmouth.

[@douglasherron7534]

@@TheHistoryChap It's a "Hansom Cab" (designed, and patented, by Joseph Hansom in 1834).

[@jonathanharris1665]

Splendid , well played sir.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you kindly!

[@richardkeilig4062]

What a story. Well done. Brave soldiers.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@georgehanna943]

Another fascinating video of with your usual ability to get an interesting side story too. Chris, I follow your videos but sometimes get confused whether a battle is in the Boer War, Zulu War and these battles took place. I know you give us dates etc but could you in one future video lay out in chronological order the various battles you have covered? Many thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your support Members Only channel to get exclusives.

[@allanburt5250]

Another fantastic peace of history 👏 thanks for bring this one to us

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@jonathanmawdesley-thomas1863]

Another great recounting of Imperial history … well done Chris , your style and intonation make all these events so compelling to listen too !

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s very kind of you. Thanks for watching.

[@davidwoods7720]

Thanks so much as always Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@SgtGenDanbo]

Thank you! Excellent video. I was stationed at Maiwand with the US Army in 2008-2009 and was on the battlefield many times. I knew very little about the battle then, but have been fascinated with it ever since. Wonderful storytelling of such a pivotal moment in British and Afghan history!

[@SunofYork]

I n October 1963, when Harold Macmillan was handing over the premiership to Alec Douglas-Home, he is supposed to have called the younger man to his office and passed on some reassuring advice. “My dear boy,” he said, “as long as you don't invade Afghanistan you'll be absolutely fine.”

[@SgtGenDanbo]

I wish our politicians had paid more attention to history in that area. I’m glad to have served, but nobody’s conquered Afghanistan going back to the Macedonians. I wish it was peaceful there as there is a lot of interesting history there. Just south of the Maiwand battlefield is a fortress built by Alexander the Great, blown up Russian tanks etc. I remember finding random .303 casings in the desert as well. Evidence of hundreds of years of fighting all in a small area, would be a dream for an archeologist!

[@SunofYork]

@@SgtGenDanbo 1889 303 or . 303 British was adopted by Britain along with the Lee - Metford Rifle in 1889. This round, as originally adopted, consisted of a 215 grain, round nosed, cupro nickel jacketed bullet in front of 71.5 grains of RFG2 Blackpowder.

[@SgtGenDanbo]

Yes, I found those quite a ways away from the Maiwand battlefield in a small village. I suspect it was later production MkVII ammo probably used during the Soviet-Afghan war or during fighting in the 90s. Almost anywhere you go over there you can find evidence of prior fighting. Not uncommon to see Lee-Enfields, Martini-Henry's, Sniders etc. as well. @@SunofYork

[@SunofYork]

@@SgtGenDanbo All the powers want Afghanistan so they can threated its neighbors.. No oil.. just geographical position...Now that rockets and planes and drones can fly over and do the job, it may become less important to hold it....

[@philotown]

Excellent story Chris. I was wondering about the dog in the painting of the battle. Now we know. Thanks for another great illustration of our military history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I love finding out the hidden stories. A bit like my recent (members) one about William Manle who was awarded the VC and the Iron Cross!

[@davidnemoseck9007]

Great story as always. And nice about the dog at the end. Love little details like that.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wolfgangkranek376]

Being bold and hesitant at the wrong moments, what could possibly go wrong?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Absolutely!

[@stardrummy]

Yet another arousing and informative video; thanks again, Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andyjones6643]

Thanks another great video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@simonkevnorris]

Thanks for another interesting and informative video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Please subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Excellent and Outstanding !!!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you like it!

[@petersmithm9]

I spent 2 years attached to the DERRs, made up from the Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments, and they celebrated this anniversary with a sports day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@jb6027]

EXCELLENT, as always1

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@Dav1Gv]

Thanks very much. The regiment still marked Maiwand Day in the 1960s and I'm glad you included the story of Bobby.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing

[@glynwilliams2333]

Brilliant!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much

[@ianbusby2845]

Maybe it’s me but I found this very difficult to follow which is a shame as being from Reading I was keen to learn the story behind the Forbury Gardens Lion.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m sorry that you found it hard to follow

[@ianbusby2845]

@@TheHistoryChap have enjoyed others of yours 👍

[@oc2phish07]

I recently visited Reading and saw the monument. Your video has brought the battle to life in my mind, a battle I was previously not aware of. Great channel.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching. I always like to see how History relates to a modern day, even if it’s just understanding why statues and memorials exist.

[@jon9021]

Superb…as usual.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much

[@kenemerson1075]

well told!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much

[@brianpine7086]

Amazing, since the dawn of time, in almost anywhere in the world, history always seems to repeat itself. Doesn’t say much for mankind 😂

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think you may have a point

[@patrickmullane30]

I believe it was an ancestor of mine who won the Victory Cross there. ☘️

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@martbarclay7240]

I lived in the Helmand valley in 1965 with my parents. Dad was with USAID . We visited the battle site. The Afghans had Graves laid out but the British dead had a field opium puppy's growing over them with no markers.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@DeeplyStill]

In Shoreham-by-Sea, at the old church, is a big wall plaque commemorating the death of an officer in Afghanistan in 1875 (pretty sure that was the year). Always fascinated me as to what we were doing there. And why we bothered going back!

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think they’re going back is the big question

[@fredazcarate4818]

Thank you Sir for your brilliant narrative of the Battle Of Maiwand. I was nearly at the edge of my seat. What a tale of bravery in the midst of chaos. Once again thank you and I await your next video lecture. 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad you enjoyed it it’s a story very few people know

[@kaycey7361]

It was a defeat i agree. But on the long term it was a diplomatic and strategic victory. As by the end or 3rd anglo afghan war, the british gained more territory ( paktunistan, northwest india, the Ballochistan) from the afghan and also secured a alliance treaty that Afghanistan will not allow zarist russia to expans to indian borders. So its a outstanding british victory. Russia gained only central asia. No sea ports

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

History Chap, I was reading about the Taiping Rebellion and came across our old friend Charles "Chinese" Gordon defending Shanghai and that got me wondering. Are you planning on making videos that will cover the colonial wars in China? It seems like fertile ground that is right up the alley of this channel. In any case, I'm glad to see this channel grow over the last year and a half; it's still a gem, even if it isn't so much a "hidden gem" anymore. I still haven't come across a channel that has covered the Victorian Era Colonial Wars half so well.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Oh yes, the colonial wars in China are on the cards! Just need to do it sensitively

[@KapiteinKrentebol]

Brittain: Please sign a treaty of friendship with us. Afganistan: We kindly decline. Brittain invades Afganistan. Maybe Brittain doesn't understand the meaning of friendship. 😂

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think their view was "Be our friend not Russia's."

[@bazkhan1134]

Amazing story of Maiwand battle and a pain full defeat. But the lessons are still not leant . My whole family fought in both 1st and sect wars and many of them was not returned back bless their souls. Wars always bring miseries for ages to come. For soldiers ❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to share

[@alanpearson7554]

Read "My God, Maiwand" by Leigh Maxwell, a fantastic read that also exposes some of the attempts by the British to blame Jacob's Rifles for Brigadier General Burrow's poor tactical decisions

[@barryalexander2909]

Thanks for the recommendation. Another one to add to the never ending 'to read' list.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@cynthiaalver]

I love to study and learn the story behind memorial statues. I LOVE history and I want to know why it was so important to honor and memorialize a person, battle, war or pigeon (Cher Ami). Fascinating piece of human history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to show your passion for History

[@lib556]

I'm interested in the orders from King George that no man who earned a VC may be stripped of it. Filip Konowal (the only Ukrainian born recipient of the VC) earned it at the 1917 Battle of Hill 70 (along with 5 other Canadians). He was serving in the 47th Bn CEF (Westminster Regt - later the Royal Westminster Regt). After the war, he settled in Canada's capital city, Ottawa (the Westies were are a west coast regt) following a job offer. He get into a struggle with an Austrian immigrant and killed him. When asked if felt remorseful he snapped, "I killed 20 Germans in the war. What's one more?" or words to that effect. He was convicted and stripped of his VC. It seems that must have been well after King George's orders to the contrary. After paying his debt to society, Konowal was released and his VC reinstated. He eventually worked at the Parliament building in Ottawa.

[@TheHistoryChap]

What an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it.

[@dillonhunt1720]

17:50 I heard Bobbie's regiment being renamed as the Royal Barkshires instead of Royal Berkshires and it gave me a laugh

[@TheHistoryChap]

You made me chuckle too!

[@rev.dr.davidcole8915]

The British still suffer from aristocratic leadership versus meritocratic.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your perspective

[@greg_4201]

I mean.... Kind of.... But it's a bit of a stretch to call our present goons aristocrats. And if you look elsewhere in the western world, you'll find exactly the same issues across all types of governments. The problem is that we have a purely political class that is completely soulless, spineless, selfserving, and slavish to Globalists/Zionists... Those aren't aristocratic traits. They are certainly aloof, entitled, privileged and detached from reality though... If anything they are Marxist inspired, whether they know it or not. But again, there is no example of a meritocracy in the west now.

[@johnbobson1557]

I'm not sure that is actually true today. Indeed in the RN over a third of officers are from the 'lower deck' (a historical term) and in the RAF we are now aware that you are positively discriminated against if you are White male. One of our most famous Field Marshals (Slim) served in every rank of the British Army from Private to Field Marshal.

[@BMWtphs]

What another great video! Thank you for doing a video on one of my favorite campaigns. The brave last stand by the 66th is so heroic and honorable, and one to be remembered. Hopefully one day I can see that memorial and pay my respects

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for both watching and taking the time to comment

[@davidarchibald50]

Taking a relatively small force onto an unreconnoitered plain, against an overwhelming force, has got to be one of the most genius of military tactics. Full of the righteous arrogance of the Victorian mind. Strange how it turned out. The Empire in decline is full of such yarns. The soldiers in these stories deserved better leaders than those that purchased their ruin.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@davidarchibald50]

@@TheHistoryChap Nothing really, Your contribution to my knowledge of our mutual history has been immeasurable.

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

Great, greater, History Chap! Very interesting the amalgaming of the different troops. In his short stories the great Kipling suggested, the Afghans were jewish. Their were only Pashtuns, Uzbeks and Tadshiks, given a several number of Turkmens nobody look at more than the name of their country as Afghanistan. The dog reminded of Othris, the cockney soldier and dog stealer in Three Soldiers by our Rudyard...❤ Be so as you are, Chris! Ludwig

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hi Ludwig, I’m glad you enjoyed this video. Have a great weekend

[@shaungillingham4689]

Sounds like Burrows made a complete hash of it. Against such a superior force he should have used the lay of the land to have fought a defensive battle, the ravines could have negated the enemies greater numbers, it's a old ploy but often successful. Not even poor old Bobby made it!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and to comment

[@Phaust13]

As always, a great video! Thank you for covering this important, but, as you said, little known action. Among the dead of the 66th was the commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Galbraith, who was killed as the Regiment withdrew towards Khig. He fell holding the Queen's Colours. I attended Reading University. The bus route from the station to the Uni passed by Forbury Gardens and the Maiwand Lion statue. Whenever I saw it, i would always remember the Battle of Maiwand and the last stand of the 66th.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.

[@sentinel_Alphacentauri]

was there no backlash to this constant British engagement in wars abroad and the untold sufferings and loses they brought to families back home? or was that era far less democratic, for the public to have a voice against it?

[@TheHistoryChap]

British soldiers not held in high esteem by british public for much of this period. Hence Kipling's "Tommy Atkins" poem. Also suggest "Wariors in Scarlet" by Ian Knight.

[@TheSheepPimp]

Goddamit, survive a battle in Afghanistan just to get ran over back home

[@TheHistoryChap]

In Gosport of all places!

[@alexc6324]

That was a great video thankyou. I am an ex Readingite and the significance of the Lion was well known to boys (not girls) from my generation (I am 48 and learnt about the lion and the battle in the 80s) but ofcourse Reading is now multicultural and the education system liberal so i agree that 90 percent of the town have no idea why its there or even that it exists. For me it was a delight to see the lions balls painted fluorescent pink (or was it orange) for a year or so and as teenagers we were always tempted to put a traffic cone on its head but what some might call vandalism we called affection. One well known fact about the Lion is that the man who sculpted it (i cant remember his name) got the lions legs wrong. Apparently they dont walk like that and the artist got so much shade about this gaff that he committed suicide (and that was pre-internet/social media harassment) but really no-one in Reading cares. Brock Barracks were still in operation in the 80's and 90's idk if they are now but a few of my friends did Army Cadets there. On Remembrance day the lion and the memorial with the names of the men who fell is the focus of a Poppy wreath laying ceremony. Forbury Park is where the lion is located and it sits right next to the ruins of Reading monastery (destroyed by Henry VIII) and there used to be a couple of large mounds in the park which were cannon emplacements from the civil war in the 17th century. The bandstand featured in your video was still there when i lived in reading and we used to sleep there if we decided not to go home after a night of partying. Quite comfortable. Sadly the park became a beacon for muggers and rapists and its also infamous for Muslims murdering gay people (i think that was in 2019) so I dont think it is much loved these days. Typical UK story. Thanks again for your videos please keep up the good work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to post a comment too

[@colrhodes377]

Another brilliant story . Afghanistan is a real pain in the backside to all invading armies. The British, Russians and Americans have been ripped apart by the fierce tribesmen and it's unlikely to ever change.

[@TheHistoryChap]

So true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@barryalexander2909]

As an Afghanistan veteran, we weren't ripped apart. We were smashing the enemy. Unfortunately, governments and electorates baulked at the cost, the time needed to succeed and the erroneous perception that the human cost was too high and the effort not worth it. Political will evaporated and we walked away, abandoning our brave Afghan allies. The defeat was the politicians' not the soldiers'. Labour, Conservative, Republic, Democrat all complicit. Clausewitz's Trinity in action.

[@barryalexander2909]

Now waiting to be told to 'cope harder' by a spotty 15 year old virgin who thinks he knows about war from playing COD.😂

[@colrhodes377]

@@barryalexander2909 🤣🤣

[@mirwaiz9619]

you had the advantage by miles and still lost, so i will tell you to cope@@barryalexander2909

[@John-ih2bx]

Thank you for the education. I know so little about the time period, many thanks for enlightening me.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@whicker59]

Ur accuracy, intensity, presentation skill, and thoroughness made a subscriber outta me. I'm very partial to little Bobbie's part of this story. TY to whom ever preserved his part n history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support

[@ronti2492]

I beleive that Maywand is as well known in Afghanistan amongst Afghans as Waterloo or Stalingrad are known amongst their respective nations. It is a big deal- and they know that they were the victors.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I can imagine it is. There is a folklore story about an Afghan woman rallying the Afghans by waving her headscarf like a battle standard. Doubt the Taliban would approve!

[@mirwaiz9619]

correct as a child i remember people telling me about it and reading about it in school

[@zarakdurrani7584]

​@@TheHistoryChapshe was called "Malalay of Maiwand" And we're proud of her 😊

[@afgkhan3960]

Yes Malala of Maiwand is our heroine she is always remembered as a brave lady our grandmothers always mention her in their strories many girls are named malala after her because its a honourable name for us infact my sister name is malala too

[@daneedm2648]

Another fantastic video, have recently managed to get a copy of the book My God Maiwand so found this story fascinating. Look forward to watching your next video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@invisibleray6987]

I love that big ugly Lion 🦁, I used to go past it on my way to work. Gruesome battle, massive slaughter, glad the dog survived 🐶

[@TheHistoryChap]

And I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@AlRedsoxFan]

Hope all is well take care Thanks for another wonderful video :-)

[@TheHistoryChap]

All good here. Thanks for watching.

[@LaceandSteelchannel]

I love it! Aaah -the great bard McGonnagall! "Oooooooooh - ’Twas at the disastrous battle of Maiwand, in Afghanistan, Where the Berkshires were massacred to the last man; On the morning of July the 27th, in the year eighteen eighty, Which I’m sorry to relate was a pitiful sight to see."

[@TheHistoryChap]

His poetry is nearly as bad as mine!

[@FranciscoPreira]

Another great video sir. Maiwand was indeed a great disaster for british colors, honor to the fallen, thanks for sharing. And a big "hurrah" for Bobbie!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@alessiodecarolis]

Terrible defeat, how did the British Commander didn't know about the terrain and how many afghans' strong was the enemy army? This was an absurd understimation of the enemy and a severe lack of intelligence, given that such a force should be difficult to hide, expecially 3000 horsemen and 36(!) guns.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@simonfoden1684]

Another battle they don't teach in British schools. Thanks Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@slowturtle6745]

Another prime example of why Afghanistan is known as the "Graveyard of Empires" and once again history repeats itself.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@pauloneil8531]

Very good video and excellent story telling. As a retired museum educator I paused the video to look at your bookshelf, and was trying to see if there was any order to how the books were arranged. Can you share the method if any? Mine are all grouped by era.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ha ha, mine are grouped by size!

[@russellcollins6718]

I love the fact that you got the pronunciation of "Isandlwana"very nearly correct.Not easy to do. Kudos to you, from and old South African soldier

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad you liked my pronunciation. One of my Achilles heels, so always nice to know when I’ve got it nearly right.

[@justinreilly6619]

Gosh, another fantastic history lesson! 👏 The punchline at the end with the little dog is a real kicker.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@stuartpeacock8257]

Phenomenal detail of a largely unknown campaign and an unknown battle. Full of energy vigour and daring do in the best tradition of the Victorian Army

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Good morning, Chris, I managed to sit, watch and listen with my first cup of coffee of the day. I was truly amazed at the decisions of Brigadier Burrows. I know from my time in the military the Artillery gunner's still to this day wear the white lanyard because of the loss of their guns. I really enjoyed the telling as always; I have added another monument to see to my bucket list when we travel back to visit. Please keep the stories coming. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for all of your support

[@wilsontheconqueror8101]

Great coverage of British Involvement in Afghanistan! That land has mauled armies all the way back to Alexander the Greats,the British, the Russian, & the Americans. One U.S. soldier stated "the rocks shoot at you". Fascinating history! From across the pond Well done! 🇺🇸

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

[@zaland2936]

This is only one side of the coin, the reality of what happened is taught in our school. They don't know anything about Malala, the Afghan girl who was the main reason for success of this battle. In order to eliminate the Malala's status another Malala was found and given the title and noble prize but for us the real Malala will always live...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback

[@sirfox950]

Great video! I'd love to see one about the true story behind Kipling's poem Ford o' Kabul River

[@TheHistoryChap]

I like that suggestion. Could be fun researching it.

[@barukkazhad8998]

As an ex RGBW soldier, thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@nsanity7431]

I was searching for something like this narrative from a British researcher, There are hundreds of of poetic verses in our language, recently one of my friend named his baby boy as Maiwand....I have seen a dozen of paintings about his war at Fort Balahisar...I thought there was at least one unit of Scots or Irish ....since in the paintings they are wearing their Kelt.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think the pictures might be depicting, the Scots at the battle of Kandahar

[@Qasim2411]

There is a whole district of Maiwand in Kandahar, Maiwand is A prestigious name given to Afghan boys mostly in living deep in Afghan valleys ❤️ we Afghan have absolute respect for who died For us in Maiwand , also Malala is the name contacted to Maivand

[@nsanity7431]

@@Qasim2411 Za pukhtoon yum rora 🚩❤️🚩

[@byron8657]

As an English writer has described about the three Anglo-Afghan War where can you find a Soldier fighter where when he sees and aim at the muzzle of his gun he sees heaven opening on him with 12 virgins awaiting on him! K

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

Glad to hear that HM Queen Victoria presented that little dog with a medal. But what a disaster for the British & Indians.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Darren, thanks for your support

[@jacqueslevard7218]

Hello from France... excellent ! Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@michaelciemnoczolowski9051]

Riveting, as always. Thank you for yet another in a long line of captivating presentations.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your support

[@jeffsmith2022]

I wouldn't have thought that 6 batteries of artillery would have so many guns Chris...My younger son did a tour in Afghanistan, US Army. many years ago...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@edhodapp6465]

Wow. I think of Churchill and the Malakand Field Force. Perhaps purely punitive expeditions against the Afghans are the only way to deal with them. Enough of nation building. Also, I believe that dogs are the greatest proof that there is a God that is interested in us humans. What a marvelous and totally different species to have as companions on this Earth!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Malakand Field Force tends to prove your point. Containment and some punitive actions marked later 19th century policy.

[@dipakgurung8602]

Would like to know about the siege of Delhi in 1857

[@TheHistoryChap]

This is one I made a few months ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnTaooqjfbWBpbc

[@dipakgurung8602]

Thanks. Any coverage of the battle of Hindu Rao's House which cemented friendship between RGJ and 2 GR, please?

[@londonbudgetgardner5205]

Excellent video The Battle that created the nationalism of Afghanistan. Why did the British lose and why did the Afghan win so decisively? The Afghan soldiers had no real international military experience but they beat the best army in the world in an open battle. The Afghan warriors are the bravest and are indomitable. They haven’t lost since ? Who is next going into Afghanistan ? A one way ticket please 😅.

[@Lassisvulgaris]

Seems Taliban made it, but they are Afghans, too....

[@doverbeachcomber]

China will be the next visitor, I expect. The PLA may succeed where other armies have failed because their leaders won’t hesitate to eliminate the entire Afghan population if that’s what it takes to succeed. There will be no nonsense about winning hearts and minds or leading the country into the 21st century. They want Afghanistan’s mineral resources and the advantages of its geographical position; the Afghan options will come down to submission or annihilation.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@glennberry4829]

Early in the video I thought it likely that one of Kipling's poems was about this battle. But I'm surprised that you said it is That Day. I was thinking of another.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to show your thoughts

[@johnl.5117]

"When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains, And the women come out to cut up what remains, Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains An' go to your Gawd like a soldier......." Rudyard Kipling.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@MrPmutley]

Not the same as " Greyfairs Bobby " ?? :-)

[@TheHistoryChap]

No, Greyfriars, Bobby lived in Edinburgh

[@colincampbell4261]

Britain seems to have had some seriously stupid officers.

[@TheHistoryChap]

A fair few. Also some pretty brave ones in there too.

[@harveyquirke6376]

That must. Have. Been. A big. Day. Out

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@lesliepun3494]

Riveting stuff as usual. Thank you, Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure!

[@ssa6227]

Shame that lessons were never learnt and their lives were wasted. So many Americans had to die to have finally sent the lesson home. Shame Afghans never hd any respite.

[@PMMagro]

Great presentation. Imagine today how big The British Raj whoudl be. India alone the worlds largest population. Pakistan, Bangladesh not small nations by any measure either... Given that victorian Britain and teh Soviet Union had failed it was rather ...high odds to go in again 2001.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.

[@petermaas4455]

TY so much. As always very interesting

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@azamkhan3136]

Strange to notice you didn't mention Malala of maiwand, she was the reason, a loosing battle turn into victory. She grasp the flag and shouted "ohh the young loves, if you didn't died in this battle of maiwand, by God someone is saving you as symbol of shame". She was 18-19 year old a daughter of shepherd. She is an honourable entity for pakhtoons and there are many institutions name after her. The battle of maiwand is remembered by pakhtoon for this legendary lady only.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your comment.