PICK OF THE ARMY: GUNS GUNNERS AND MULES

About the bookThe only artillery in the British-Indian Army from 1857 to 1935 was the mountain artillery. These handful of mountain artillery batteries earned universal appreciation and respect for their professional excellence and outstanding fighting record. For nearly a century the army was actively Involved on the old North West Frontier. These mule pack mountain artillery batteries structured and trained for moving operating and fighting in the barren road less and difficult terrain meant that no operation on the Frontier was without their participation. Besides the Frontier they had an equally distinguished record In the two World Wars winning the only Victoria Cross amongst the British Commonwealth Gunners. Collectively these batteries had more Battle Honours than any Infantry or Cavalry Regiment of the Indian Army. Over time the changing environment development of road communications and means of mobility overtook this unique body of fighting men and animals and mountain artillery finally became extinct in 1985.