Waziri Khassadars, 1920 circa (b/w photo)

Waziri Khassadars, 1920 circa. Photograph by Randolph Bezzant Holmes (1888-1973). Commanded by British officers on secondment from the Indian Army, the Khassadars were recruited locally, wore no uniform, provided their own rifles and were employed on road protection tasks, police work amongst the frontier tribes and customs and revenue duties. During the 3rd Afghan War (1919) and Revolt in Waziristan (1919-1920), many Khassadars threw in their lot with their tribal cousins and joined the uprising. From an album of 73 photographs relating to the North West Frontier, 1919-1920.