Lot 73: General Sir Michael Anthony Schrapnel Biddulph R.A., (British, 1823-1904)

The citadel at Qala Bist and the valley of the Helmund river, Afghanistan
dated 'Feb 26 '79' and extensively inscribed
watercolour
(24.8 x 66.7 cm. (9 3/4 x 26 1/4 in.)
from an album of watercolours, drawings and maps from the 2nd Afghan War entitled 'Sketches South Afghanistan, 1878-1879', an album, (qty).

Bibliography:
M. A. Biddulph, 'Pishin & Routes Between India & Candahar', pub. The Royal Geographical Society, 1880.

Following concern at the increasing Russian influence in Kabul the British entered Afghanistan on 21st November 1878 and so began the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880).

Three columns were to invade simultaneously; one through the Kyber Pass, another through the Kuram Valley and a third from Quetta in the Pisheen Valley, it was this third column that General Biddulph commanded. The Quetta force numbered some 6,000 men and 18 guns.

Biddulph's column covered a huge distance to Kandahar, crossing the Bolan, Gwaga and notorius Khojak passes. From Kandahar Biddulph marched west toward the Helmund river remaining there until the third week of February 1879 when they returned to Kandahar and thence to India.