Last stand at Gandamak
The history
The British had entered Kabul to enforce a friendly regime change but things went sour no thanks to the feeble command of general Elphinstone. A force of 4500 soldiers made up of 700 British and 3800 Indians with 14000 civilians began the march to Jallalabad. In winter surrounded by hostile tribes within three days 3000 were dead. Most froze to death or murdered if they were abandoned vengeful locals. Elphinstone was held hostage and leaderless the army broke down. Eventually 20 officers and 45 soldiers if the 44th regiment took a stand at Gandamak. They had only 20 working muskets with two shots each. One Afghan offered them safety if they surrendered but not believing the offer a Sgt shouted "not bloody likely" in the final scrim all but 7 privates one Sgt and s captain were killed. The survivors were taken hostage Captain Souter had wrapped the Queen's colours around his waist for protection. The Afghans mistook it for a fancy waistcoat and believed he was wealthy. It probably saved his life. For more information I'd recommend reading the first Flashman novel which describes the full horror of the retreat from Kabul.
Great project @denzien – I love the background write-up and the match up between the painting and the miniatures! It actually comes pretty close! 😀