The [72nd] Seaforth Highlanders, Kandahar, Afghanistan - 1880 "Scotland's Seaforth Highlanders - after a forced march of 303 miles in searing desert heat - launched fierce bayonet attacks against maurading tribesmen - slashed their way to victory in deadly hand-to-hand fighting." THIS PRINT WILL BE FRAMED BY THE MUSEUM AND MOUNTED IN THE SGTS MESS. 14 FEB 2018. 72nd Highlanders (1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders) Commanded by Lt. Colonel Francis Brownlow. While one wing of the Highlanders remained at Kohat in November 1878, the other joined the Kurram Field Force at Thal, and moved on to take part in the attack on the Peiwar Kotal in December. Two weeks later the wing was part of the force attacked by Mangals at the Sapiri Defile near Kurram Fort. The regiment was reunited in January 1879 for operations in the Khost valley and the fighting at Matun. They stayed in Afghanistan for the winter and spring before the massacre at Kabul reignited hostilities, and the 72nd moved forward to the Shutagardan, and then advanced on Kabul, including the action at Charasiab in October. They were heavily involved in the operations around Kabul in December including actions at Deh-Mozang, Takht-i-Shah and the Asmai heights, and the defence of the Sherpur cantonment. After marching to Kandahar in August 1880 the Highlanders were one of the leading battalions in the battle on 1st September where their commander, Lt. Colonel Brownlow, was killed. The regiment left Kandahar on 15th September, eventually reaching Sibi in October, and then moving on to Mian Mir. The 72nd on the march from Kabul to Kandahar 1880 During 1880 the 72nd remained at Kabul until August, and the Afghan resistance waned for a time. Then, in late July, news came of the disaster at Maiwand near Kandahar, where a British column had been attacked, losing over 1,100 casualties. General Roberts was ordered to take his force, which included the 72nd Highlanders, to the relief of Kandahar without delay. The famous march was never intended to break any speed records, but it was, by any standards, a remarkable feat of organisation. General Roberts set out after only three days preparation to march a force of 10,000 troops, with 11,000 animals and 8,000 camp followers, through over 300 miles of hostile, trackless country. The temperature varied daily as much as 80°F; from 110° at midday to freezing point at night. The march was accomplished in 22 days without any losses from enemy action. The 72nd at Kandahar When General Robert's Force reached Kandahar, it found the Afghan army, under Ayub Khan, in positions among the hills to the North West of the town, and preparing to attack. General Roberts wasted no time and next day, on 1st September 1880, he attacked them. The 72nd were part of the left flanking attack which cleared the enemy position and finally defeated the Afghans. The cost to the 72nd was two officers and 11 men killed, and this included the Commanding Officer Lt Col F. Brownlow.