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A group of soldiers with two Gatling guns, 1879 (b / w photo)
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A group of soldiers with two Gatling guns, 1879 (b / w photo)
5919919 A group of soldiers with two Gatling guns, 1879 (b/w photo) by Burke, John (fl.1878-79); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: A group of soldiers with two Gatling guns, 1879.
Photograph by Bourne and Shepherd, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1879.
The Gatling Gun had been invented in the USA in 1862 and first purchased for use by the British Army in 1871. These two Gatling Guns had arrived in the Kurram in April 1879, and although a shortage of spare parts limited their effectiveness, General Roberts took them with him when he marched on Kabul in October 1879. The first of them jammed almost immediately during the Battle of Charasiab outside Kabul on 6 October, but Roberts kept faith and they proved their worth in the defence of the Sherpur Cantonment during the great Afghan assault of 23 December 1879.
From an album of 115 photographs.); eNational Army Museum; British, out of copyright
Media ID 22764546
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history, showcasing a group of soldiers proudly posing with two Gatling guns in 1879. The image, taken by John Burke during the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), provides a glimpse into the military technology of the time. The Gatling gun, invented in the USA in 1862 and later acquired by the British Army in 1871, revolutionized warfare with its rapid-fire capabilities. These particular guns arrived in Kurram, Afghanistan, in April 1879 and were subsequently used by General Roberts during his march on Kabul later that year. Although limited spare parts hindered their effectiveness initially, these Gatling guns proved their worth during critical moments. One of them jammed during the Battle of Charasiab outside Kabul on October 6th but was still carried forward as Roberts maintained faith. Ultimately, they played a vital role defending Sherpur Cantonment against an intense Afghan assault on December 23rd. Part of an album containing 115 photographs from this era, this image offers insight into both military strategy and technological advancements at that time. Preserved by the National Army Museum in London and made available through Bridgeman Images' collection via Fine Art Finder platform; it serves as a testament to human ingenuity amidst conflict.
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