Oliver Harwood was born in Shillingford, son of James and Susan and one of at least eight siblings. Before enlisting in the Royal Berkshire Regiment in 1875, aged 18, he worked in agriculture as did his father and one of his brothers. Oliver served in India and Afghanistan, where he suffered a severe gunshot wound to his left hip and several bouts of ague and bronchitis, caused by the climate, before being medically discharged. Returning home to Warborough sadly Oliver died aged just 28.
He took part in the Battle of Ali Masjid, which took place on 21 November 1878. It was the opening battle in the Second Anglo-Afghan War. Despite numerous setbacks, including half the troops getting lost or delayed and missing the battle entirely, the British were lucky that the Afghans abandoned their position overnight.
Strength: Casualties and Losses:
3,000 infantry 16 killed
600 militia 34 wounded
200 cavalry
Oliver, along with other members of the British and Indian armies who served in Afghanistan between 1878-1880, was awarded The Afghanistan Medal.
Researched by Sandy West 2025
