Cpl Arthur STEGGLES, 81st North Lancs, 2nd Afghan War

[John Steggles]

Does anyone have any knowledge Of My great great grandfather Cpl Arthur Steggles 81st North lancs regiment, his medal (in my possession) shows a bar for Kabul , I understand he was on the forced march from Kabul to Kandahar.

[heliwest]

The 81st were in Afghanistan, and certainly served at the battle of Ali Musjid in November 1878. They lost 1 man killed 28 Nov at Sarkai Pass and and 1 wounded at the Khyber Pass, 29 Nov, in that year and those seem to be the only casualties. They do not seem to have been in Kabul as a unit but individuals may have served there. They were not given the Kabul to Kandahar medal as a unit although 1 is known to a L/Cpl Moon.

[colenso]

1719 Lance Cororal Arthur Steggles was serving with Service Corps during the Afghan War. He does not appear to be entitled to any battle clasp, however he is shown as entitled to the Afghan Medal.

In early October 1878, the regiment were stationed in Peshawar when warned for active serve, subsuqently forming part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Peshawar Valley Field Force. under the Command of Brigadier-General Appleyard.

For good record - C, D and F companies would take part in the Ali Musjid campaign, this under the command of Major Jackson. The regiment were also involved in other actions, for which I do not know if Arthur Steggles was involved.

On October 1879 however, the regiment invalided over 200 men back to Peshawar as being sick or ordered into the station en-route for Naushara. The regiment itself arrived back in Peshawar on 10th January 1879, its final destination was Rowal Pindi.

I guess Arthur Steggles would have covered some of these operations, so at least you know he earned his medal in what at time a hard fought campaign. Hope this of help to you.

regards

colenso