The British were victorious, and seized the strategic Peiwar Kotal Pass leading into the interior of Afghanistan.

After the outbreak of the Second Afghan War in November 1878, British-led forces invaded Afghanistan in three separate columns, the smallest of which was commanded by Major General Roberts.

[4] Roberts halted and camped just outside Afghan artillery range for several days, sending out reconnaissance parties before deciding on his response.

Finally, on 1 December, he ordered preparations for a frontal attack, including marking out artillery emplacements directly facing the main Afghan position.

[9] Prior to the battle, the total strength of the force in camp was 889 Europeans, including officers, and 2,415 native Indians.