NAM.1955-04-46-4

Photograph: Lt-Gen Sir Frederick Sleigh Roberts’s horse 'Vonolel', 1885 (c). From an album of 89 photographs by John Burke, compiled by Maj Gen Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1881-1893. Roberts purchased his Arab charger 'Vonolel' while he was still a major soon after the Lushai Expedition 1871-1872, during which he defeated the son of a locally renowned chief after whom the horse was named. Although little bigger than a pony, 'Vonolel' was his master's only reliable horse during the 2nd Afghan War and carried Roberts on the celebrated march from Kabul to Kandahar. Thereafter he became a familiar sight at ceremonial parades and camps of exercise throughout India. He accompanied Roberts to Ireland where the latter served as Commander-in-Chief 1895-1899. 'Vonolel' died peacefully aged 27, in June 1899 and is buried in a corner of the grounds at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The stone on his grave reads, 'Beneath this stone lies Vonolel for 23 years the charger and faithful friend of Frederick, Lord Roberts of Kandahar. He had the honour of being decorated by the Queen with the Afghan medal with four clasps, the Kandahar Star and the Jubilee medal'.

2nd Afghan War (1878-1880)