The Kabul to Kandahar Star, also known as the Roberts Star or Kandahar Bronze Star was awarded to those British and Indian troops who participated in the 320 mile march from Kabul to Kandahar in Afghanistan between 9–31 August 1880, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Roberts who rode horseback on his horse Vonolel. In addition, it was awarded to the troops stationed en route at Kelat-i-Ghilzie, who accompanied General Roberts on the final ninety miles to Kandahar.
An episode of the Second Afghan War, 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 were awarded, all recipients also receiving the Afghanistan Medal, usually with the ‘Kandahar’ bar.
The march received much publicity in the United Kingdom, and its success was a cause of much celebration. This explains why a special medal was authorised, even though those involved had already qualified for the Afghanistan Medal.
