I thought you might appreciate a quick note on my recent discoveries. I have resumed part-time study at Monash University (Grad Dip-International Business) and have been busy locating references for a couple of assignments. Anyway after one particularly fruitless search for a text on who knows what, I decided to check the libraries holdings of books on rather more interesting subjects. I was staggered to find around 1,000 books on India, plus smaller holdings on the Sudan etc. There are dozens of texts on the Indian Mutiny, Sikh Wars and history and earlier periods, much of it contemporary. What I thought I might do is send you a brief summary as I work through them. It may prove useful for other readers to get a snapshot of a book prior to purchase, or give them some idea of its usefulness (or otherwise) as a reference.

The first two are as follows: War in Afghanistan 1879-80, The Personal Diary of Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor. Edited by William Trousdale, 1985, 266 pages.

MacGregor was Robert's Chief of Staff during the second stage of the 2nd Afghan War. First the positives: MacGregor was heavily involved in the trials at Kabul, and has some strong views on Robert's motives and actions. He also paints a very different picture than that usually portrayed of the famous Kabul-Kandahar march (see also Robson, The Road to Kabul). As a reference for an historian, it has value. But unfortunately, for the majority of The Heliograph's readers, this diary would be very hard going.

Simply put, MacGregor is a pain. He is far more interested in complaining about his fellow officers, constantly seeking promotion or honours or even writing imaginary after-dinner speeches for his 'glorious' homecoming. All of these things may be interesting in small doses, but the diary is absolutely full of it. MacGregor didn't see any real action and you can feel the envy in the diary. William Trousdale's introduction amounts to nearly 70 pages and is worth reading more than the diary itself. By the time I had read the introduction, I didn't really want to read the rest as its reveals the insecure and immature character of our hero.

On a rating of 1 (don't bother), 2 (buy at the right price) or 3 (must buy), unfortunately this rates a 1. Mores the pity because there are a dearth of writings on the 2nd Afghan War and an officer in MacGregor's position should have produced a more worthwhile read.

Eighteen Years in the Khyber 1879-1898. Col. Sir Robert Warbuton. First published1900, reprint 1970. 351 pages.

Warbuton was basically in charge of the Khyber Pass and surrounding tribes (if anyone could actually be said to be in control of 35,000 Afridis!) for 18 years. His management of this region was said to be a model for other frontier officers. His recollections, written after retirement, are a reasonably good read. At times he lapses into jingo, but probably no more than can be expected. Following the intricacies of Pathan families and tribes can be a little confusing, but what make up for it are the many anecdotes about Pathan life and customs. There are also numerous incidents that would make for lively skirmish games. You get a good feel for the fine-line that a man such as Warbuton must have tread between loyalty to the Crown and admiration for the tribesmen.

On the above rating, this rates as a 2.

Crisis of the Raj. W. Boehl, Jr.

A useful compilation of letters by four British lieutenants during the IM. For two of the officers concerned, we can find their story readily enough in other places (Fred, later Lord, Roberts - 41 Years in India and biographies of Roberts; Arthur Lang Lahore to Lucknow: The Indian Mutiny Journal of Arthur Moffat Lang), the other two (Cracklow and Watson) would be harder to find.

Whilst the merit of the inclusion of one of the four (Watson) could be doubted, this is a good introduction to the IM, especially to the attitudes and motivation of those taking part.

I've seen it on Ken Trotman's second-hand list for 30 pounds - too much, especially when you can get Lahore to Lucknow from the same place for a mere 8.50!

Canadians on the Nile. R. MacLaren

An account of the voyageurs used by Woseley to assist in the Gordon Relief Expedition and Percy Girouard who built the railroad that made the 1898 reconquest possible. Written by a Canadian, it also contains much on the early Canadian military situation and relationship with the Empire. For those who have read much on the Sudan and are looking for something fresh, this is worthwhile. Articles of War have it for US$20.

Havelock's March on Cawnpore 1857. JW Sherer. (Pocket Edition n.d.)

Sherer was a magistrate and collector at Futtehpore and wrote an account of Henry Havelock's march on Cawnpore and subsequent activities at Cawnpore during the four marches on Lucknow.

Sherer writes well, and was unusual in that he had some sympathy for Indians of all classes, especially those caught up in events beyond their control. From a military point of view, the description of Havelock's and Neill's actions are brief and the book is therefore slightly limited in its usefulness for wargamers. However, it provides a good read and plenty of the atmosphere of the Mutiny. Rated a "2" buy at a good price (mine was bought from Trotman's for 15 pounds - maybe too much for a pocket edition)

The Peasant Armed: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 (1986). E. Stokes

This is more concerned with the causes and effects on the Mutiny amongst the various classes, castes and regions. Much of it is at an academic level that would not interest most wargamers. However it does has two reasons to check it out. The first chapter discusses British strategy and tactics, the second the factors shaping the Sepoy's tactics. If you are interested in the Mutiny, read these two chapters. The chapter on the Sepoys is one of the few recent works that discusses logically why the Sepoys were unable to take advantage of their opportunities, especially at Delhi.

The book as a whole for wargamers would probably be rated as a 1 "Don't buy", but the first two chapters must count as necessary reading for anyone looking to understand the military aspects of the Mutiny better.

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