5921016 ?Thal in the Kurram, showing the road bridge over the Kurram river to Parachinar?, 1920 circa (b/w photo) by Unknown photographer, (20th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: ?Thal in the Kurram, showing the road bridge over the Kurram river to Parachinar?, 1920 circa. Photograph by Randolph Bezzant Holmes (1888-1973), India, North West Frontier, 1920 circa. The fort at Thal guarded the strategically vital Kurram valley. On the outbreak of the 3rd Afghan War (1919), it was garrisoned by four under-strength battalions of Sikhs and Gurkhas and a squadron of Indian cavalry under the command of Brigadier-General Alexander Eustace. They were soon besieged by a large Afghan regular force under the command of General Nadir Khan. The Afghans were able to occupy a tower 500 yards (460 m) from the fort and from there they were able to set fire to several food dumps. Although under constant attack for a week the garrison held out until they were relieved on 2 June 1919 by a brigade from Peshawar led by Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer. From an album of 73 photographs by Randolph Bezzant Holmes, 1919-1920.); by National Army Museum ; out of copyright.