Conflict: | Siege of Khelat |
Partof: | the First Anglo-Afghan War |
Date: | 13 November 1839 |
Place: | Kalat, Pakistan |
Result: | British victory |
Combatant2: | Khanate of Kalat |
Commander1: | Thomas Willshire James Outram |
Commander2: | Mehrab Khan |
Strength1: | 1,166 |
Strength2: | 2,000 |
Casualties1: | 31 killed 107 wounded |
Casualties2: | Unknown |
Khelat 1839 is a battle honour of the British Army and the British Indian Army awarded for a campaign on the North West Frontier during the nineteenth century.
The fortress of Khelat, held by a Baluchi tribal chief, threatened communications with India through the Bolan Pass. The unfriendly Baluchi tribes had harassed and attacked British convoys and killed officers and camp followers alike during the First Anglo-Afghan War. As retaliation, the Bombay Column stormed the fortress on 13 November 1839 on its way back to India.
The honour was awarded vide GOGG dated 15 February 1840 and Bombay Government Order No 474 of 1841 and the spelling changed from 'Kelat' vide Gazette of India No 1079 of 1910. A non-repugnant honour, it was awarded to the following units: