AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

EP061 DON’T CARRY ON UP THE KHYBER


Listen Later

INDIA SERIES 08

Happy 2025, and welcome back! In this episode, we conclude our deep dive into the 1st Anglo-Afghan War with one of the most infamous military disasters of the Victorian era—the catastrophic retreat from Kabul in 1842. As British forces, led by the indecisive General Elphinstone, attempted to escape through the freezing Khyber Pass, they faced relentless Afghan attacks, starvation, and total collapse.

Episode Highlights:
The disastrous leadership of General Elphinstone and Sir William MacNaughten.
The brutal winter retreat and the suffering of British troops and civilians.
The last stand at Gandamak—courage, chaos, and ultimate defeat.
The survival of Dr. William Brydon and the myths surrounding the retreat.
How this catastrophe shaped Victorian imperial policies and perceptions of Afghanistan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership failure can turn a bad situation into a total catastrophe.
  • The realities of empire-building were far bloodier and more chaotic than the myths suggest.
  • The First Anglo-Afghan War left a lasting legacy, shaping British military thinking for years to come.
  • Next Episode Teaser:
    Stay tuned as we explore the British response to this defeat—because when an empire stumbles, it rarely stays down for long.

    Host’s Note:
    Thank you for your ongoing support! If you’re enjoying the series, please leave a review and consider joining our Patreon community.

    The post EP061 DON’T CARRY ON UP THE KHYBER appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    AGE OF VICTORIA PODCASTBy Chris Fernandez-Packham (Victorian History Lover/Queen Victoria Fan)

    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    264 ratings


    More shows like AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST

    View all
    History Extra podcast by Immediate Media

    History Extra podcast

    3,196 Listeners

    Rex Factor by Rex Factor

    Rex Factor

    926 Listeners

    The History of England by David Crowther

    The History of England

    4,369 Listeners

    The British History Podcast by Jamie Jeffers

    The British History Podcast

    5,347 Listeners

    The Ancient World by Scott C.

    The Ancient World

    1,859 Listeners

    Revolutions by Mike Duncan

    Revolutions

    13,424 Listeners

    The History of China by Chris Stewart

    The History of China

    1,090 Listeners

    Tides of History by Wondery /  Patrick Wyman

    Tides of History

    6,291 Listeners

    The French History Podcast by Evergreen Podcasts

    The French History Podcast

    384 Listeners

    Pax Britannica: A History of the British Empire by Samuel Hume

    Pax Britannica: A History of the British Empire

    368 Listeners

    Reconquista by Sharyn Eastaugh

    Reconquista

    341 Listeners

    History of the Germans by Dirk Hoffmann-Becking

    History of the Germans

    433 Listeners

    Gone Medieval by History Hit

    Gone Medieval

    1,764 Listeners

    Not Just the Tudors by History Hit

    Not Just the Tudors

    1,983 Listeners

    Anglo-Saxon England by Evergreen Podcasts

    Anglo-Saxon England

    217 Listeners