View in the Kuroom Valley with Peiwar Kotul in the distance.

Mitford, Major Reginald C.W. Inscribed in pencil on verso 'On the march to Cabul end of April 79'. April 1879. Probably painted when Mitford's regiment, the XIVth Bengal Lancers, was 'encamped at Koroom for some three months during the summer of 1879'. (Maj R.C.W. Mitford, To Caubul with the Cavalry Brigade, London, 1881, p.1).

The major action in the Second Afghan War involved the simultaneous advance on Kabul of General Browne through the Khyber, of General Lord Roberts from the Kurram Valley, and of General Biddulph from Quetta.

Based on his experiences during the Second Afghan War (1878 - 1880), Major Reginald C.W. Mitford wrote To Caubul with the Cavalry Brigade, London 1881. The map of Kabul was actually used in his book. Possibly the view in the Kuroom Valley and the map of Char Asiab were also originally intended for use. The view of Simla, the summer capital of British India, probably relates to a period when Mitford was posted there, some years before his experiences in Afghanistan. He was clearly a highly skilled illustrator as is evident from this small group of his drawings.

See also items W000018, W000019 and W000020 by Major Reginald Mitford.

Watercolour on paper. 240 x 510 mm. (9.5 x 20 ins).