Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > National Army Museum
The Laager and Abattis, Sherpur Cantonment, December 1879 (b / w photo)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
The Laager and Abattis, Sherpur Cantonment, December 1879 (b / w photo)
5924208 The Laager and Abattis, Sherpur Cantonment, December 1879 (b/w photo) by Burke, John (fl.1878-79); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: The Laager and Abattis, Sherpur Cantonment, December 1879.
Photograph by John Burke, 2nd Afghan War, 1879.
In December 1879, a powerful Afghan uprising occurred and the Sherpur Cantonment, one mile north of Kabul, became the operational base of General Roberts Kabul field force over the winter of 1879-1880. However, there were only 7, 000 men available to man a perimeter nearly five miles long, and the fortifications were incomplete; at the north-west corner, an abattis (barrier) had to be improvised from the wheels of captured Afghan artillery. Even so, troops like the 5th Punjab Infantry, pictured here, proved fully capable of resisting the assault of the besieging Afghans. On 23 December, 100, 000 of the enemy were repulsed for the loss of only three men killed.); eNational Army Museum; British, out of copyright
Media ID 22763236
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> F
> John Field
> Asia
> Afghanistan
> Kabul
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> National Army Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> British Museum
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> John Burke
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the scene of "The Laager and Abattis, Sherpur Cantonment" in December 1879 during the Second Afghan War. The image, taken by John Burke, showcases the fortifications at Sherpur Cantonment, which served as the operational base for General Roberts Kabul field force over the winter of 1879-1880. In this historical moment, a powerful Afghan uprising took place, leading to a siege on Sherpur Cantonment. Despite being outnumbered with only 7,000 men available to defend a perimeter nearly five miles long, troops like the 5th Punjab Infantry showcased their resilience and bravery in resisting the assault from besieging Afghans. The photograph highlights one particular aspect of these fortifications - an abattis (barrier) improvised from captured Afghan artillery wheels at the north-west corner. This makeshift barrier played a crucial role in defending against enemy attacks. On December 23rd, amidst intense fighting, approximately 100,000 enemy forces were repulsed with minimal casualties on the British side – only three men killed. This victory demonstrated not only the effectiveness of these fortifications but also showcased the courage and skill of British troops during this challenging period. This image serves as a testament to both military strategy and individual heroism displayed during this significant chapter in history.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
