Macpherson's First Brigade fared little better. These 2,000 men were supposed to start a nine hours after Tytler's Brigade had set off. In the end, the First Brigade just got stuck behind the Second's supply column. The roads were of such a poor quality and were far too narrow to take two columns at the same time. Macpherson was forced to wait at Lashora before pushing on. He also had troubles with his supply column and his force was also becoming very tired in the inhospitable terrain. He called a halt at Rhotas completely off the agreed time schedule.

Afghan Guns

At 1000 hours the first shots of the Afghan war were fired when the 81st Foot came in to contact with an Afghan Cavalry patrol. The cavalry had been monitoring the British advance but quickly withdrew when it realised the size of the force approaching. British troops also pushed along the Shahgai ridge which ran parallel with, but overlooking, the valley. As soon as this ridge was deemed clear, the British artillery batteries opened fire on the fortress. The range was over 2,500 yards and so had little effect. The Afghan guns which opened up in reply were equally lacking in effect, but this was partly because they only had access to round shot, rather than shell.

By 1430, nothing had been seen nor heard from the two columns sent up the Lashora Valley. Sam Browne decided that in order to stay to schedule he should launch his frontal attack anyway. He sent Appleyard's 3rd Brigade over the River Kabul to storm a series of entrenchments just south of the fortress. Meanwhile, the 4th Brigade remained on the left of the river to take up a position to the East of Ali Masjid.

Both brigades found resistance to be surprisingly forceful. Appleyard's forces managed to gain a foothold on their intended objective, but only thanks to some excellent artillery support by the Royal Horse Artillery. The 4th Brigade made even less headway against Afghans who were determined not to be dislodged. By 1600 hours it was clear that the 4th Brigade could go no further for the time being. They decided to withdraw and fire across the valley in support of Appleyard's forces. However, by 1700 hours it was clear that Appleyard's forces would also be denied their objective. Still with no sign of either of the turning columns Samuel Browne decided to call a halt for the day.

Interior of Castle

A cursory look around the fortress confirmed to the British the difficulties they would have faced had they been forced to storm the stronghold. It was an impressive structure which dominated all of its approaches. The British were somewhat fortunate that the Afghans decided to leave on their own account. However, the British got a taste of what was in store for them in the forthcoming campaign: Hostile terrain; Extremes of temperature; Hardy foes; Supply and Coordination problems. In this particular battle they were lucky that their difficulties were not fully exposed nor put to the test. In the future, they would not always be so fortunate.

Cavalry Brigade
Brig Gen C. J. S. Gough
10th Hussars (2 Sqdns)
11th Probyn's Lancers
Guides Cavalry

Royal Artillery
Colonel W. J. Williams
One Horse Battery
One Field Battery
Three Heavy Batteries
Three Mountain Batteries

First Infantry Brigade
Brig Gen H. T. Macpherson
4th Battalion Rifle Brigade
20th Brownlow's Punjabis
4th Gurkhas

Second Infantry Brigade
Brig Gen J. A. Tytler
1st battalion leicestershire
Guides infantry
51st Sikhs

Third Infantry Brigade
Brig Gen F. Appleyard
81st North Lancashire
14th Sikhs
27th Punjabis

Fourth Infantry Brigade
Brig Gen W. Browne
51st King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
6th Jat Light Infantry
45th Sikhs