March on Kabul

After the murder of the British mission in Kabul, Blackwood and the Monmouthshire Fusiliers are sent from India to join Frederick Roberts’s Kabul Field Force. The march through the Shutargardan Pass brings altitude, failing roads, strained supply and attacks from the surrounding heights. South of Kabul, Afghan forces occupy the ridges at Charasiab and compel Roberts to fight for access to the capital.

March on Kabul transfers the series from southern Africa to the Second Anglo-Afghan War. It gives equal weight to the physical work of moving a mixed British and Indian force through the mountains and to the battle itself, where Highlanders, Gurkhas, Sikhs, cavalry and artillery must coordinate against fortified positions. Blackwood’s responsibilities increase as the campaign demands judgement beyond simple obedience.