Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878-80

[chesters]

My Great Great Grandfather was in the Afghan war, but I don't know his regiment or number.  I do have the medal though.

Do you know where I can find out any more details, like his regiment or other conflicts he was in?

[Garen]

Hello chesters,

Is his name and regiment not on the medal? If not, can you describe the medal - ribbon, dates, any clasps, and the rough diameter of it? I have the medal roll at hand, so let me know a name and I could start a search, but it could take a while without his regiment.

More info at www.angloafghanwar.info

Best -
Garen.

[chesters]

Hi Garen,

No, the name or regiment are not on the medal.  There is no ribbon, as its been made into a broach.  On the front it just says Afghanistan 1878-79-80 and has a picture of an elephant, with soldiers on horses behind the elephant.  It has Victoria on the back.  I measured the diameter as 3.6cm.  His name was Edwin Chesters, which isn't very common, so you might be able to find him.

Thanks for the help.

[Garen]

Well - I found him pretty quickly! As you're interested in Cheshire and Staffordshire research I checked the first regiment I came across that was as local as possible, which was the 8th Foot (Liverpool, or The King's, regiment).

Private Edwin Chesters, no.1818, Afghan War medal, no clasps, 8th Foot.

The 8th were involved at the Peiwar Kotal battle (2 Dec 1878), but as Edwin has no clasp for that he must have missed it. He may have been part of the 2 companies under Captain Lewis that stayed behind to garrison Kohat. These 2 companies joined the rest of the regiment in the second campaign, after September 1879, in various works and holding the position at the Peiwar Kotal - including some minor actions against Mangals and Jagis. They returned to India in October 1880 when the Kurram Valley was evacuated. In the kurram Valley the regiment had suffered quite a bit of illness (usually cholera).

Hope this leads you to find out more.

Best -
Garen.

[chesters]

Thats probably him.

Thanks again for the help Garen

[Garen]

Hello,

I have decided to start a Yahoo Group for discussion and sharing of knowledge on the Anglo Afghan War 1878-1880 (and anything related). Part of the reason for this is that this is not a widely acknowledged campaign, and those of us with an interest are few and far between. The group will be a way we can keep in touch and let each other know of news, thoughts, ask questions or just discuss anything that comes under the subject heading.

I don't expect it to be a message list that is used heavily, or that grows quickly, but I do think it has the potential to be a fascinating resource and to help interest grow. From my own point of view, I hope it will encourage contributions and information for the Afghan War Database Project (www.angloafghanwar.info), but I also know I can learn from the great wealth of expertise that is out there, as well as answer any questions I may be able to help with. The messages will build a useful archive.

You do not have to be an expert or an academic to join this list. Hobbyists and family historians are most welcome to come and go as they please to seek or contribute information. Membership does not require contribution if you don't wish, as it also acts as a newsletter for www.angloafghanwar.info.

The Yahoo Group can be found at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/angloafghanwar/

My best regards -
Garen.

[dortmund]

Hi Garen,

Thanks for the site, I have joined.

Trevor

[Garen]

I always said when the Afghan War database reached 500 participants I would go to public beta, and I made an effort tonight to add another 20 individuals to reach the 500. There is still work that needs doing to make the user experience a little smoother (it's a little slow sometimes), not to mention the fact that 500 people really isn't that many, but anyway, here it is:

http://www.angloafghanwar.info/database/main.php

The 500th entry was Sir Frederick Roberts himself, you can even search for him under Bobs!

Any improvements or thoughts on the database, I'll be glad to hear them.

All the best -
Garen.

[liverpool annie]

Very well done Garen !!

Congratulations .... what an addition to an already great site !! 

Annie