Chakdarra Fort and bridge with the Swat Valley in the distance, 1919 (b/w photo)

Chakdarra Fort and bridge with the Swat Valley in the distance, 1919. Photograph, India, North West Frontier, 1919. Although an observation post and settlement had been present on the site for hundreds of years, the British built Chakdara Fort in 1896 to guard the routes into the Swat Valley and Chitral via the Lowari Pass. The following August it was the scene of a week-long siege when 8,000 Swati tribesmen surrounded the tiny garrison who held out in an epic defence. From an album compiled by Lieutenant-Colonel G J Davis, India, North West Frontier.