SOMALILAND DISASTER.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1994, 27 February 1914, Page 7

SOMALILAND DISASTER.

CAMEL CORPS TO BE INCREASED,

By TekKraph-P>-ese Ausocintion-Oopyrifflit London, February 25. ■The House of Commons discussed tho Somaliland Expedition, and some members criticised Mr. Lewis Harcourt for blaming Colonel Corficld. '

Mr. Harcourt, in replying, stated that it was not proposed to extend the territory in Somaliland, or to send an expedition against tho Mad Mullah, but tho camel corps was being increased in numbers to livo hundred.'

Early in August last over 1000 Dervishes between Berbers and Odwoiu attacked a detachment of 150 of the Camel Constabulary, which had been, dispatched to suppress inter-tribal looting. The Constabulary's retreat was cut off, and they formed a zarcba. The Maxim gun got jammed. Colonel Corficld, the commanding officer, was killed, and Captain G. H. Summers severely wounded, while fifty Constabulary were tilled or wounded. A Blue Book was subsequently issued in connection with Hie disaster. This showed that Mr.' G'. Archer, the Acting-' Commissioner of Somaliland, testified to tho late Colonel Corfield's bravery and energy, bnt reluctantly charged him with the perpetration of a rash act involving the Protectorate and the Government in 11 severe set-back. Mr, Lewis Harcourt, Secretory of State for the Colonies, commenting on the evidence, stated that the disaster was duo to Colonel Corfield's complete disregard of instructions.