History Daily: The Sole Survivor of the Retreat from Kabul

Episode Title: The Sole Survivor of the Retreat from Kabul
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham
Produced by: Airship | Noiser | Wondery

Introduction

On January 13, 1842, amidst the harsh winter of Afghanistan, only one British soldier survived the catastrophic retreat from Kabul. In this episode of History Daily, host Lindsey Graham delves into the harrowing events of the First Anglo-Afghan War, exploring the intricate dynamics between the British Empire and the resilient Afghan resistance. This detailed narrative not only recounts the military strategies and betrayals but also highlights the human stories of survival and loss.

Background: The British Invasion of Afghanistan

The British Empire, concerned about the growing influence of Russia in Central Asia, sought to secure its Indian colonies by establishing a friendly regime in Afghanistan. In July 1839, British forces, led by General Sir Willoughby Cotton, invaded Afghanistan with the objective of installing Shah Shuja Durrani as the Emir. This move was met with significant resistance from the Afghan populace, who were loyal to Dost Muhammad Khan, the Emir aligned with Russia.

Lindsey Graham sets the stage by describing the geopolitical tensions:

"Dost Muhammad was aligned with Britain's rival power, Russia. The British feared that with him in charge in Afghanistan, their valuable colonies in neighboring India would be under threat."
— Lindsey Graham [03:43]

Establishing Occupation: Shah Shuja’s Puppet Regime

After successfully capturing Ghazi, a fortified city near Kabul, General Cotton's forces advanced towards the capital. In September 1839, they deposed Dost Muhammad Khan and installed Shah Shuja Durrani. However, Shah Shuja lacked genuine support among Afghans and was perceived merely as a puppet of the British. His reign was marked by harsh measures to suppress dissent, including brutal executions and severe punishments such as mutilation.

"Shah Shuja is seen as little more than a puppet. And to the horror of the Afghans, the British seem to be settling in for permanent occupation."
— Lindsey Graham [04:16]

The British presence became increasingly unwelcome, leading to mounting tensions and sporadic rebellions.

Rising Tensions and Initial Rebellions

The occupation strained relations further as British officials openly represented imperial interests, leading to resentment among Afghans. Shah Shuja’s oppressive policies, including heavy taxation and ruthless suppression, alienated the local population. British forces, attempting to maintain control, underestimated the depth of Afghan resistance.

In November 1841, the situation escalated dramatically when Afghan rebels attacked the residence of Sir Alexander Burns, the most senior British official in Kabul, resulting in his brutal murder. This event marked a significant turning point, signaling widespread rebellion against British rule.

"The murder of the most senior British official in Kabul will mark a new low in the relationship between Britain and the Afghan people."
— Lindsey Graham [00:00]

The Retreat from Kabul: Chaos and Catastrophe

Faced with relentless attacks and the untenable situation in Kabul, the British decided to evacuate. General Sir William Elphinstone, plagued by rheumatism and gout, led the evacuation of over 16,000 people, including soldiers, civilians, and their families. The retreat was plagued by inadequate supplies, harsh weather, and relentless Afghan guerrilla tactics.

As the column trekked through snowbound mountains, they faced constant ambushes. The British initially believed Wazir Akbar Khan, the rebel leader and son of Dost Muhammad Khan, would honor agreements for safe passage. However, these promises proved false, leading to devastating losses.

"General Elphinstone knows that the bloated column is vulnerable to attack. He just hopes that Wazir lives up to his part of the agreement and holds off the other Afghan fighters."
— Lindsey Graham [12:02]

The retreat turned into a massacre, with thousands perishing from cold, starvation, and relentless attacks. The British forces were systematically dismantled, leaving only a handful attempting to survive the ordeal.

William Bryden: The Sole Survivor

Amidst the chaos, Assistant Surgeon William Bryden emerged as the sole survivor. His journey was marked by near-constant danger, exhaustion, and the loss of his comrades. Bryden's resilience and sheer will to survive exemplify the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

"William will soon become famous as the only survivor of the catastrophic retreat from Kabul."
— Lindsey Graham [12:02]

Bryden’s survival story is a testament to endurance. After evading multiple attacks and witnessing the deaths of his fellow soldiers, he finally reached Jalalabad on January 13, 1842, the only living witness to the retreat's horrors.

Aftermath: British Retribution and Withdrawal

The retreat's failure was a significant blow to British prestige and highlighted the challenges of imperial expansion. In response, the British organized a retribution force that returned to Kabul in the fall of 1842. They rescued the remaining captives and sacked the city before finally withdrawing from Afghanistan, marking the end of the First Anglo-Afghan War.

"An occupying army of thousands was reduced to a single man named William Bryden, who rode to the gates of Jalalabad on January 13, 1842."
— Lindsey Graham [12:02]

This defeat underscored the limits of British military power and the fierce independence of the Afghan people.

Conclusion

The retreat from Kabul remains one of the most tragic episodes in British military history, illustrating the perils of imperial overreach and the resilience of local resistance. William Bryden's survival stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring impact of historical conflicts on international relations.

History Daily not only recounts these pivotal moments but also provides deeper insights into the individuals who lived through them, ensuring that such historical lessons remain relevant today.

Notable Quotes:

• Sir Alexander Burns’ Fate
  "Gunshot echoes through the street. The official next to Sir Alexander slumps to the ground, a bright red stain blossoming over his white shirt."
  — Lindsey Graham [00:00]

• General Elphinstone’s Leadership Challenges
  "General Elphinstone is plagued by rheumatism and gout, and he often couldn't get out of bed due to the pain."
  — Lindsey Graham [12:02]

• Wazir Akbar Khan’s Betrayal
  "Wazir soon reveals that his true intention is to disrupt the British retreat."
  — Lindsey Graham [12:02]

Produced by:

• Host: Lindsey Graham
• Audio Editing: Mohammed Shazi
• Sound Design: Molly Bach
• Music: Thrum
• Researcher: Scott Reeves
• Managing Producer: Emily Burke
• Executive Producers: William Simpson (Airship), Pascal Hughes (Noiser)

Credits:
History Daily is brought to you by Airship, Noiser, and Wondery, providing engaging historical narratives to enlighten and entertain listeners daily.