The Relief of Chitral

Situated at a distance of about 47 miles from the main watershed of the range of the Hindu Kush mountain, Chitral had been an important state because of its situation at the extremity of the territory over which the British Government in India exerted its influence .In fact it had been the object of the British policy to control the external affairs of Chitral, in a direction friendly to their interest; to secure an effective guardianship over its northern passes; and to keep watch over what goes on beyond those passes. These objects remained in operation until 1892 when old Aman-ul-Mulk the rural of Mehtar of Chitral died. But afterwards troubles seemed to have arisen over the succession. It was in 1895 that the new rural of Chitral Amir ul-Mulk who was incapable of exercising authority sought the support of Umra Khan, Chief of the neighboring Pathan state of Jandul. However,Umra Khan's intention was to annex Chitral to his own domination Despite repeated warnings issued by the British Indian Government to Umra Khan to refrain from interfering with the affairs of Chitral, he attacked Chitral. Thus began a British campaign against this unlawful aggression on Chitral territory A decisive battle took place which finally resulted in the relief of Chitral.
This book gives an account of the Chitral campaign, its causes and results. The record of this Campaign is based on the official dispatches published in the Gazette of India and in the Blue Book on Chitral affairs. As a joint production of two brothers who happened to be present together in the same campaign, the book is an authentic source material on Chitral campaign and related developments. It also highlights the necessity of undertaking this campaign by which the honour of the British name was restored.

Captain G.J. Young Husband and Colonel Sir Francis Young Husband remained present together in the Chitral campaign and both acted as correspondent of the Times in that campaign.