“(Signed) Evelyn Wood, A.-G.”
“Knowing that many present here with these battalions have sons, brothers and other relations and friends serving in the second battalion, and that also there are many here who have served in it, he thinks that this will be interesting and satisfying to all.
“The 2nd battalion left Jubbulpore for the front in August last, and when assembled at Rawal Pindi, all detachments having joined headquarters, was over 800 strong.
“The regiment moved thence by rail to Khasalgurh, from thence by march route to Hangu, the two last marches (twenty-six miles) being done in one day, guarding a convoy some five miles long, with the enemy reported as lying in wait to attack, which, however, they did not do.
“The battalion was detained at Hangu, in the Miranzai Valley for two or three weeks, and it was in this place, owing to the heat and unhealthiness of the valley, it being the most unhealthy time of the year, that malarial fever became prevalent, and few escaped sickness.
“From there the regiment was broken up into detachments, 100 men garrisoning the friendly village of Shahu Khel, in the Khanki Valley, and 150 being detached to the Kurrum. These latter, supposed to be sickly or weakly men, averaged twenty-two miles a day for six days. ‘B’ Company under Captain King, on one occasion marched seventeen miles to meet and escort back artillery; thirty men, under Lieutenant Potter, volunteered, after three hours’ rest to march back as escort, which they did, the remainder following a few hours later, thirty-four miles in one day.
“On September 9th ‘A’ and ‘C’ companies from Hangu, with three native battalions, marched to Fort Lockhart, escorting a convoy, and in the return march were successfully engaged with the enemy on Gogra Hill.
“On September 12th the headquarters, 295 strong, took part in the relief of Gulistan, on which occasion three actions were fought between Hangu and that fort, at Gogra, Saragari, and Gulistan, the enemy being cleared off the Samana Ridge.
“The headquarters remained at Fort Lockhart awaiting the further advance. No hint that the regiment was to be sent back reached the ears of any one belonging to it until the day on which it was published in orders.