This Day in History: 1879-08-31

General Sir Frederick Roberts’ Relief Column (which included the 2nd Goorkhas) reached Kandahar after a remarkable 500km march of 23 days. A special medal was struck for this, the Kabul to Kandahar Star (shown below). The Regiment occupied the ridge of Karez Hill facing the Baba Walli Kotal located about 1.5kms away. The enemy, commanded by Ayub Khan, were observed holding the Kotal in strength. During the afternoon reconnaissance patrols were sent out towards Argandab Valley and Pir Paimal Ridge and later in the evening there was some desultory shelling from the enemy but to no effect. Click here for an account of the campaign.