This medal was awarded to British & colonial troops for taking part in the epic 300 mile march from the capital Kabul, to relieve the beleaguered garrison in Kandahar. The bronze used in the manufacture of the medal was taken from the captured guns and it was awarded in conjunction with the Afghanistan Medal with the clasp Kandahar.
Roberts' army of 9,500 British & Indian troops relieved the garrison and went on to defeat the enemy who were camped nearby within an hour - thus effectively ending the Second Afghan War - and not a 'smart bomb' in sight!
This particular medal is named to a Sepoy in the 15th Regt. Native Infantry. The initial proposal for this medal by (then) Gen. Roberts was met with derisive howls of laughter by the War Office, but 'Bobs' being an influential sort of chap, managed to convince the Crown to foot the bill for production. I'm sure Ed will expand on this.
It is said that this medal influenced the (eventual) design of the 1914 & 1914-15 Stars.
Roberts' army of 9,500 British & Indian troops relieved the garrison and went on to defeat the enemy who were camped nearby within an hour - thus effectively ending the Second Afghan War - and not a 'smart bomb' in sight!
This particular medal is named to a Sepoy in the 15th Regt. Native Infantry. The initial proposal for this medal by (then) Gen. Roberts was met with derisive howls of laughter by the War Office, but 'Bobs' being an influential sort of chap, managed to convince the Crown to foot the bill for production. I'm sure Ed will expand on this.
It is said that this medal influenced the (eventual) design of the 1914 & 1914-15 Stars.
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