Charles Jasper Blunt

“ The casualties numbered seventy-two. Almost daily the Afridis, too wise to risk general engagements, Wageda perpetual guerrilla warfare, and the various bodies of troops engaged in foraging or survey duties were constantly attacked. On the 21st of November a brigade under Brigadier-General Westmacott was detached to visit the Rajgul valley. The road was exceedingly difficult and steady opposition was encountered. The objects were accomplished, and the casualties during the retirement alone numbered twenty-three. ”

“ The force, in detached brigades, now proceeded to traverse the Tirah district in all directions, and to destroy the walled and fortified hamlets of the Afridis. The two divisions available for this duty numbered about 20,000 men. A force about 3200 strong commanded by Brigadier-General (afterwards Major-General Sir Richard) Westmacott was first employed to attack Saran Sar, which was easily carried, but during the retirement the troops were hard pressed by the enemy and the casualties numbered sixty-four. ”

“ The general commanding was General Sir William Lockhart (q.v.) commanding the Punjab Army Corps; he had under him 34,882 men, British and native, in addition to 20,000 followers. The frontier post of Kohat was selected as the base of the campaign, and it was decided to advance along a single line. ”