Kidnapped on the North-West Frontier

In 1923 the 1st Battalion, the Border Regiment were stationed at Kohat on the road to the Khyber Pass. On the 14th April a gang broke into the bungalow of Major A J Ellis DSO whilst he was away, murdered Mrs Ellis, and kidnapped their 17 year old daughter, Mollie.

Revenge

Ajab Khan, the gang’s leader, claimed his raid was in revenge for the dishonour of a British raid in which the purdah of his women had been violated by searches for stolen rifles.

Others recalled that Khan had been the subject of derision for escaping from an earlier British raid dressed in women’s clothing. In addition some of Ajab Khan’s group were in prison.

Ajab Kahn claimed that the death of Mrs Ellis was an accident, whilst she was struggling with her attackers. He demanded a ransom for Mollie. The first problem therefore was to find Mollie.

Recce and Rescue

The Commissioner, Sir John Maffey, selected a team of two men and a woman to rescue her. Zaman Khan, a tribal leader, travelled throughout the region spreading the word that Mollie was not to be harmed.

At the same time, Kuli Khan, an Assistant Political Agent, was tasked with searching probable hiding places and if possible get food and clothing to Mollie. Mollie and her abductor were found at Khanki Bazar, 60 miles from Kohat.

Nurse Starr

To return Mollie, Sir John selected Mrs Lilian Agnes Starr the matron of the Peshawar Mission Hospital. Sir John believed that a women might succeed where a man would fail.

Lilian Starr had spent her life in missions and hospitals. She travelled with an escort led by Risalder Mohgal Baz Kahn, formerly of the Indian Army’s Corps of Guides.

The Risalder played a major role in negotiations with local leaders and ensured that Lilian’s status as a female civilian was understood and respected. The rescue was not easy. At one stage during negotiations, news was received that Zaman Khan was threatening to burn Ajab Khan’s house. But finally, agreement was reached. Mollie was released into the care of the local Mullah.

The members of Ajab’s gang, still in prison were released and Mollie was free.

Retribution

Once Mollie was back in British hands, Sir John Maffey, began the hunt to put Ajab and his gang behind bars. He was declared an outlaw by his fellow tribesman and, eventually, starving, he gave himself up. He and his gang were jailed.

The Editor