This Day in History: 1897-10-22

In the Tirah, some 2nd Goorkhas shot and killed an Afridi tribesman as he attempted to drive away some cattle to prevent them falling into the hands of the British. They discovered a baby lying next to the body, and the child was handed over to the President of the Mess Committee (PMC) of the British Officer’s Mess. Some milk was obtained and a camp follower was appointed as his nurse to feed and look after him. Two days later when the 1st Battalion was ordered to return to Bagh the Goorkhas marched past an Afridi house located not far from where the Pathan cattle driver had been killed. The infant was laid down on the ground in full view of some tribesmen who were looking on. The Goorkhas moved off leaving the child to be picked up by his people.