Conflict:
The Battle of Maiwand was one of the largest battles of the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1881).
Date:
Ayub Kahn's defeat of Brig. Gen. George Burrow's troops occurred on July 27, 1880.
Commanders & Armies:
British Army
- Brigadier General George Burrows
- 2,599 combat troops, 3,000 support personnel
Afghan Forces
- Ayub Kahn
- 8,500 men
Battle Summary:
Following victories at Ali Masjid, Peiwar Kotal, Kabul, and Ahmed Khel, British forces controlled much of eastern Afghanistan. Despite these triumphs, the western province of Herat, ruled by the recently deceased emir's son, Ayub Khan, remained unconquered. Seeking to drive the British from Kandahar, Ayub Khan assembled a mixed force of regular and irregular troops and began marching east. To deal with this threat, the British commander, Lieutenant General J.M. Primrose dispatched a brigade of British and Indian troops west. This force was to support a friendly Afghan army that was operating in the area.
Marching to the Helmand River, the brigade, commanded by Brigadier General George Burrows, moved into a position to support an army sent by the governor of Kandahar, Sher Ali Khan. Combined, their forces approximately equaled those of Ayub Khan. Problems began shortly after Burrow's arrival, when much of Sher Ali's army mutinied and deserted. Left to face Ayub Khan alone, Burrows began withdrawing, while seeking an opportunity to attack before the enemy reached Kandahar. After receiving reports that Ayub Kahn was moving towards Maiwand, Burrows marched to intercept.
Moving quickly, most of the British troops were unable to eat or fill their canteens on the morning of the battle. After spotting Ayub Khan's columns near Maiwand, Burrows moved his men out onto a plain and formed for battle, hoping to catch the Afghans on the march. As his artillery opened fire, Burrows decided against attacking and assumed a defensive posture. Seeing that both of Burrows' flanks were unsupported, Ayub Khan deliberately arrayed his forces with the goal of enveloping the British line. As his troops marched into position, he brought his superior artillery to bear, hammering the British lines.
Around mid-day, the Afghani infantry began a series of assaults on the British lines. Armed with modern Martini-Henry breech-loading rifles, the British troops were able to beat back these attacks while inflicting heavy casualties. After a pause in the fighting, Ayub Khan attacked again around 2:30. Charging forward, they were able to force back Jacob's Rifles, an Indian regiment, ultimately causing the entire British line to collapse. With the situation out of hand, Burrows ordered a retreat south towards the village of Khik. There, about 100 members of the 66th Foot made a last stand and were massacred.
Results:
Following the defeat, Burrows and the survivors fled towards Kandahar, arriving thirsty and hungry the next morning. During the fighting, the British suffered 1,757 dead and 175 wounded, most of who were lost once the line was broken. This represented approximately 75% of their combat force. Ayub Khan's army lost approximately 1,250-5,500 killed and 1,500+ wounded.
Impact:
The Battle of Maiwand was one of the few occasions in the 19th century where an Asian army defeated a Western power. Following his victory at Maiwand, Ayub Kahn was able contain the British in Kandahar until he was decisively defeated outside the city on September 1. The Battle of Kandahar effectively ended the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The conflict itself resulted in little change in the geo-political situation in central Asia and worked to foster Afghan mistrust of foreigners.
