Frontier Asssault

Book excerpt: In May 1919, as the world recovered from the First World War, Afghanistan invaded British India. A daring move, the invasion took the British and Indian governments by surprise. To repel the Afghans, they launched a massive land and air campaign, mobilising a third of a million troops. Despite facing this military might, the Afghans, aided by the North-West Frontier tribes, almost won the war. Frontier Assault tells the story of the Third Anglo-Afghan War through the eyes of the men who fought it. The North Staffordshire Regiment was one of the first units dispatched to halt the Afghan advance. They defeated the enemy vanguard in a tenacious mountain assault in the Khyber Pass. After, they led the British counter-attack into Afghanistan. Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the war, Frontier Assault is illustrated with over 50 original photographs and maps. Extensive appendices include a history of the North Staffordshire Regiment, a timeline of the war, orders of battle, honours and awards, and casualty lists. One of only very few books about this forgotten war, this contemporary account of the Third Anglo-Afghan War is immensely readable. Authored by a military officer it draws on extensive new research and insights. Essential reading for anyone with an interest in the Anglo-Afghan War or the North-West Frontier. Highly recommended for others with an interest in the First World War or general military history.