The Waziristan campaign 1936–1939 comprised a number of operations conducted in Waziristan by British and Indian forces. This was against the fiercely independent tribesmen that inhabited this region. These operations were conducted in 1936–1939, when operations were undertaken against followers of the Pashtun nationalist Mirzali Khan. Also known by the British as the “Faqir of Ipi”, a religious and political agitator who was spreading anti-British sentiment in the region. Undermining the prestige of the Indian government in Waziristan at the time. (Wiki source)
Surprisingly sharp images.
The images show the journey that the 1st Bn The Northamptonshire Regiment (48th Regt of Foot) took through the area, their camp, outposts and transport [thanks to Ben Edwards for the clarification]. There are some images that show other key points in the area. The image may not be in the correct order. They are particularly sharp and some have great detail to investigate. Ladhay camp has a cropped section showing the “screw guns”.
View of the march en route to Razmak taken in 1936. This bridge is located between Bakakhel & Mir Ali on the road connecting Bannu & Miranshah.
River Bridge Near Mir Ali, Waziristan
Nearing journey’s end. 3 miles from Razmak, Waziristan
A column of Troops returning From Khaisora Operations To Razmak
Ladhay camp, Waziristan, with British soldiers
The large guns or field artillery used during the campaign were called “Screw guns”. These were so-called because they could be broken down for transport by donkey through the sometimes difficult terrain. They could then be reassembled by screwing the two halves of the barrel together.
Ladhay with British soldiers screw guns
Manning a lookout at one of the camps on the journey to Razmak
Ladhay with British soldiers – camp detail
Ladhay camp with British soldiers
River rest stop on the way to Razmak 1936
Convoy from Bannu to Razmak (76 Miles) (1936) – 6 Miles from Razmak
Convoy from Bannu to Razmak (76 Miles) (1936) – 6 miles from Razmak
Local Tribesman
Local forces
British troops take a roadside rest stop on the way to Razmak
Tea time in one of the camps
Tea time in one of the camps
British XV Corps Badge
In the above image, the British helmets bear the symbol “XV” which seems to derive from the British / Indian “XV Corps” who took part in the Burma Campaign which does not shed any light on why they on this long march!
Damdil Camp on the way to Razmak
Entering Charles Street, Razmak
Razmak camp, view from an adjacent mountain
Signpost somewhere along the journey
Goats on mules
Also in the collection are these shots of Mari Indus Railway Station. Perhaps the troops started or eventually ended up here as the campaign ended? “66, a GS class 2-8-2 locomotive, was a product of the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow, 22770 of 1931. It was delivered to the Kalabagh – Bannu Railway which had a branch to Tank. The bridge across the Indus was opened in 1931. In practice the line was operated by the North Western Railway of India, hence the NWR on the tender. “
Pakistan Mari Indus Railway Station
Mari Indus Railway Station
Mari Indus Railway Station checking the route.
With thanks to Northampton Museums Flickr stream for help with identification. They seem to have a similar set of images taken on different days perhaps with different troop movements. Thanks to John Driver for use of his images.
Helmet flash XV = E Yorkshire Regt.
Dear All,
I am in the same position. My Grandfather accompanied this march leading the supply and baggage column. I would love to share photos and information with any of you. Please make contact at ben1e.edwards@gmail.com
Kanhaya Lall Arora and Sons were Military photographers who accompanied various events/missions. They were based in Razmak and Bannu and I have a photo envelope from the company.
Also working in the area was Tundan who took most of the photos of the Northamptonshires March in late Oct early Nov 1936 from Bannu – Razmak. Also sometimes you see a Sharma, They all seemed to mark up their photos.
It would be great to hear from any of you.
Ps I went to Razmak in 2019 – not much has changed although the camp is much updated, the open landscape remains the same.
Hi Ben, these images were from a customer of mine, several interesting blog posts and comments have come from these most excellent images, I wish I had more input but everything i know is here on the blog. If you want to email me directly you can at the email on top of the website. not sure how I can help? If you want me to add more to this post as you have more information and more images if you have them, id be glad to!
Hi Neil,
Some of my grandads photos are very similar to some of these. Where did you manage to find out where they were taken? Or was there writing on the back etc? Any idea what the writing “K.L. ARORA” means? As some of my grandads photos also have this on them
I found a post on the web with a whole thread about the journey with again a similar set of photos 🙂 Also there was a fair bit of input on one of my images here https://www.image-restore.co.uk/blog/old-pakistan-photo-ww1/ Alas I cant help with the K L Arora, sorry.
Hello Neil,
Interesting to see your pictures. I’ve just been going through my Grandfather’s photos of this campaign. He was with the D.C.L.I, H.F.Joslen, probably a Captain with promotion to a Major during this period.
Some of your pictures show ones we have but there are many different ones of camps, troops on manoeuvre, camps and locals.
A good time to go through all of the photos we have.
Many thanks. Tim.
Thank you for your comment. If you need ideas for what to look out for when you uncover those old photos, my latest blog update may help https://www.image-restore.co.uk/blog/covid-19-update-get-busy/ stay safe 🙂