Second Anglo-Afghan War — VC Recipients

The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880) was fought between the British Empire and the Emirate of Afghanistan, sparked by British fears of growing Russian influence in the region. When the Afghan ruler refused to accept a British envoy, British forces invaded, quickly capturing key cities including Kabul and Kandahar.

Although the British initially imposed a treaty and installed a friendly ruler, widespread Afghan resistance led to renewed fighting. The war ended with the British withdrawing but securing control over Afghanistan’s foreign policy, making it a buffer state between British India and the Russian Empire. The war highlighted the challenges of imperial intervention in Afghanistan’s fiercely independent tribal society.