The two cavalry regiments, whose support should have been invaluable, behaved badly and, early in the fight, left the field.
"After the first line gave way, everything went badly.

Some of the troops stood and died on the ground they held, others soon became a mob of fugitives.

The loss, as long as they held their positions, was comparatively slight; but the grand total mounted up, during the retreat.
"It was a hideous business, and one that I do not like to recall.
Men staggered along, overpowered by heat and thirst; falling, in many cases without resistance, under the sabre of the pursuing enemy.

Had these fought properly, it is probable that not a single man, except the cowardly cavalry, would have reached Kandahar to tell the tale." "Thank you, Major.

You were also, I believe, in two or three dashing affairs before Maiwand ?" "Yes, Colonel.