Quetta. A scarce and interesting lecture by a Mountain Artillery officer commanding a unit the 2nd Afghan War

Keene, Colonel Alfred, D.S.O.: Quetta. A Lecture given by Col A. Keene. P.W.O. Printing Press [Quetta] 1905. 1^st edition small 8vo [6½ x 4½ in].

19pp. Original plain pink paper covers titled in ink, front cover detached, old institutional stamps ROYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTE WOOLWICH 8 Jan 1906, contents otherwise clean, Although given to an unmentioned body this lecture does not appear to be an offprint from or part of a journal but to be a stand alone publication of considerable rarity. The author mentions his own service in Afghanistan and praises Lord Lytton for his forward policy at the time.

 Quetta is now the capital of the Balochistan Province of Pakistan.

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Alfred Keene [1857-1918] came from a family with an Indian background. He joined the Royal Artillery in 1874 and Hart’s Army List 1888  notes his service: Captain A. Keene served in the Afghan war 1878-80,and took part in the march to Candahar with the force under Major General Phayre in command of 2 guns of No2 Mountain Battery (mentioned in despatches, Medal). Served with the Burmese Expedition in 1885-6 (mentioned in despatches, D.S.O., and Medal with Clasp). He was at the 1903 Delhi Durbar with the Artillery (Medal) retiring shortly afterwards. During the 1914-18 war he served on the staff in London and was awarded a C,M,G shortly before his death in 1918.  His medals have been sold twice this century by D.N.W. in London.