- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Year of Institution: 19 March 1881
- Country: Great Britain
The Kabul to Kandahar Star (or the Roberts Star or Kandahar Bronze Star) was awarded to British and Indian troops who had participated in the 320 mile march from Kabul to Kandahar in Afghanistan between 9 and 31 August 1880. It was also awarded to the troops stationed en route at Kelat-i-Ghilzie, who accompanied General Roberts on the final ninety miles to Kandahar.
The march took place to relieve Kandahar, where a British force was being besieged by Afghan forces. On reaching Kandahar, Roberts decisively beat the Afghans on 1 September 1880 at the Battle of Kandahar and lifted the siege. The war was concluded soon after.
Just over 11,000 Kabul to Kandahar Stars were awarded, all recipients also receiving the Afghanistan Medal, usually with the ‘Kandahar’ bar.
The Kabul to Kandahar Medal Design
The Kabul to Kandahar medal is a bronze five-pointed star measuring 62mm high and 48mm wide and suspended by the Imperial Crown. The medal was made from guns captured at the Battle of Kandahar.
The obverse displays, in the middle, the royal monogram “VRI” surrounded by the text “Kabul to Kandahar 1880”. The reverse is plain with a hollow center, with the name of the recipient around the edge.
