3-021-493 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Expedition to Abyssinia: mules and mule drivers, 1868. 'General Sir Robert Napier...reached Attegerat on the 5th March. He was to stay there until the 18th, in order to establish a line of posts along the road, and to move his army forwards...it is his present intention to take on beyond Antalo a force of about 3000 men. Each of the three British infantry regiments now in Abyssinia or Annesley Bay...will contribute its share (about 300 men) to this force. The Native Infantry will consist of the Punjaub Pioneers, the Beloochees, the 10th, the 25th, and some Bombay and Madras Sappers. The cavalry will comprise a squadron of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, who are the only British cavalry sent to Abyssinia; the Scinde Horse, and the 3rd Light Cavalry. Two light mountain batteries, under the command of Colonel Milward, and, if possible, Captain Murray's heavy guns, will constitute the artillery'. Napier's army was loaded on to ships in Bombay [Mumbai]. 13,000 soldiers were sent along with 40,000 animals to transport army equipment and supplies. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.