28th July 1897

 28th July 1897:

The tribes identified by the Malakand Garrison included Swatis, Utman Khels, Mohmands, Salarzais and others.  During the course of 28th July, large numbers of Bunerwals could be seen in the opposing ranks for the first time.  The Bunerwals were easily identified, wearing black or dark blue clothes against the white worn by most of the other tribes.


During the day, the garrison strengthened and improved the defences of the camp, while the tribesmen sniped at the troops.


At 10pm, the tribesmen renewed the assault along the whole of the defended line.  The attacks continued throughout the night, until the tribesmen withdrew to the surrounding hills, just before dawn.  British casualties were 2 soldiers killed and 3 British officers and 13 men wounded.  No pursuit was possible due to the exhaustion of the troops.


29th July 1897:

During the day, further work was carried out on the defences.  Bonfires were prepared, to be lit when the next attack was launched, thereby illuminating the battlefield.  Signalling was resumed with Chakdara Fort, which reported that it was successfully holding out.


In the afternoon, a squadron of the 11th Bengal Lancers reached Malakand, with 12,000 rounds of ammunition carried in the sowars’ saddle bags.


In the evening, the 35th Sikhs, the 38th Dogras and more Guides arrived at Dargai, but in a state of exhaustion.  The 35th Sikhs, who had marched up from Nowshera, had 21 fatal casualties from heat stroke.


Piquet of Guides Infantry on the Buddhist Road near Castle Rock: Malakand Rising, 26th July to 22nd August 1897 on the North-West Frontier of India: picture by Edmund Hobday

https://www.britishbattles.com/north-west-frontier-of-india/malakand-rising-1897/



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