NAM.1959-08-83-1

The Chetta Ravine, Abyssinia, 1868. Watercolour by Lt Cornelius Francis (Frank) James, Bombay Staff Corps, 1868. The Chetta (Jedda/ Jidda) Ravine, a column of British and Indian troops including an Elephant Battery make their way down the steep road. Depicts the expeditionary force advancing along the road built by Emperor Tewodros II (or King Theodore) of Abyssinia through the Chetta Ravine to get his heavy guns to his stronghold of Magdala. It had a gradient of 975 metres and was 7.24km long with slopes of up to 45 degrees in places. In April 1868, when Lt General Sir Robert (later FM Lord) Napier's force had reached this ravine, Theodore was preparing to defend Magdala and prevent the rescue of the British hostages whose detention had been the cause of the war.

Magdala, Capture of, 1868 (Abyssinia 1867-1868)