IN THE CAMEROONS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2663, 7 January 1916, Page 5

IN THE CAMEROONS

HIGH PRAISE FOR NIGERIAN ' • TROOPS By Teleeraph—Press Association—Oopyrlshi ' i ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services,)' ! London, January 5. A Press Bureau statement regarding i tlie operations in the Cameroons states: A British officer gives details of the occupation of Banyo, in the Cameroons, by the Nigeriau forces, in October. Tho plans worked out admirably. Two columns, under Majors Maun and Cunliffe, junctioned before Banyo. The enemy, fearing their retreat would be ! cut off, feobly resisted. Leaving Dodo, u perfect barrier of mountains fronted us, which we were compelled to climb \ by steep, narrow paths. Wo found an admirably-prepared enemy position. Wo forced a wide turning movement ; from Banyo. The enemy position on ! the mountain southward was grim. and stupendous. Hugo boulders were con- 1 spicuous on the side of the mountain, , bristling with strongly-built sangars. It seemed hard to ask British officers to lead men against such formidable , positions, but all were extremely keen : to try. The infantry advanced in the morn- ! ing from four directions, covered by ; tile fire of our three guns. They worked i up slowly and doggedly, climbing ovei rocks, and tearing -a path through the thorny scrub and long grass under heavy rifle and Maxim fire from tho sangars and concealed snipers, liy i evening most of tho companios had struggled half-way up the hill. They wero exhausted, and drenched by ram, but hung on determinedly to the ground gained, despite an incessant fire, aided ; by fire balls and rockets. ; At dawn the mon restated climbing, capturiujr occasional redoubts and sailgal's. Tho enomy rolled down rocks and threatened to use dynamite bombs. Finally our mon on the hilltop woro ! silhouetted oil the skyline, and the enemy hoisted the white flag. It had ; been a dour, stubborn'fight. The eiien -! believod their position to be invulnerable. Our mon fought magnificently, ; and were gallantly led. Nigeria ought to be proud that she oan produoo suoh soldiers: the task | would have tried tho finest trooap is j »«a*. jsorld, i