Lot Essay
'The Central India Horse had been engaged for some months in harassing patrol and escort duties, and in pursuing bands of marauders under Mullah Fakir, and was preparing to return to India, when orders were suddenly received to join the force being held ready at Kabul under Sir Frederick Roberts, to relieve Kandahar. Gathering with all speed its scattered detachments, the Regiment started on its journey of 128 miles, and by forced marches at a rate of 23 miles a day, with baggage, accomplished the distance and joined Roberts on his first march out of Kabul on 9 August. Taking part, during the three weeks succeeding, in the memorable march to Kandahar, the Regiment - which started 476 sabres strong and mustered 449 of all ranks on 1 September - took part in the crushing defeat of Ayub Khan. In the pursuit, Lieutenant Chamberlain and five men were wounded, and two horses were killed' (Shadbolt refers).