Eighteen Years in the Khyber 1879-1898 - Hardcover

About The Book: This book presents the personal account of Sir Robert Warburton, focusing on his practical work as Warden of the Khyber Pass for nearly eighteen years. Prior to his appointment, the Khyber Pass was a dangerous and inaccessible area. The state of relations between the British government and the trans-frontier tribes was described as lacking influence and knowledge. Colonel Warburton dedicated himself to improving this situation, and under his control, the Khyber Pass remained open and safe without the presence of European soldiers. However, in August 1897, a tribal uprising occurred, leading to the Tirah campaign. Colonel Warburton believed that the attack on the Khyber posts could have been prevented if his services had been utilized promptly. Despite expressing his readiness to return to duty, his offer was not accepted until it was too late. The Khyber posts were subsequently attacked, which deeply affected Colonel Warburton. About The Author: Colonel Sir Robert Warburton (1842-1899) was an Anglo-Afghan soldier and administrator who served as the British political officer in charge of the Khyber Pass, a strategically important region in British India. Warburton played a crucial role in maintaining peace with the Afridis, a local tribe, during his tenure. He raised the Khyber Rifles, a force composed of tribal members, which helped keep the pass peaceful for many years. Warburton's influence over the hill tribes was significant, and he was respected and revered by the locals. He attained the rank of major in 1881 and lieutenant colonel in 1887. He married Mary Cecil in 1868, and after his death, she edited his memoir titled "Eighteen Years in the Khyber." Warburton received honors such as Companion of the Order of the Star of India (CSI) in 1890 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) in 1898.