OPERATIONS IN GERMAN EAST AFRICA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2730, 27 March 1916, Page 5

OPERATIONS IN GERMAN EAST AFRICA

ENEMY FORCED TO RETREAT RAILWAY STATION SEIZED, STORES CAPTNRED 6 » • London, March 24, 8.55 p.m. The High Commissioner reports "Iji East Africa the Germans retreated through Kahe to defensive positions along the Ruwu River. Direct pursuit is difficult owing to heavy rainfall. ' "On Monday our forces ocoupied Arusha, dislodging an enemy detachment. On Monday night strong infantry bodies bivouacked in the Ruwu forest in close contact with tho German entrenchments. The enemy strongly attacked, but the offensive resulted in his siffering severe losses. In tho meantime a. strong South African force marched, during tlio night, to tho Pangani River, south of Kahe, seizing the railway station and capturing stores. Mounted troops occupied a hill south of Kahe in contact with the enemy, who held on till Tuesday with a view of retiring in cover of darkness, although reinforcements reached him from tho south during the operations. Wo were onabled to inflict heavy losses, which would have been impossible had tho Germans been Free to abandon the positions earlier. Thejy however, obstinately resisted. "On Tuesday night tho entire Ruwu line was evacuated, the enemy retiring south along tho Tonga railway. Operations are being continued." A FOUR-INCH NAVAL GUN SECURED.. * By Telegraph—Presa Association—Copyright (Rec. March 26, 5.5 p.m.) ' , , _ ~ , . m 1 „ London, March 24. General Smuts telegraphs: "The Germans retreated through Kahe to a. series of defensive positions in a thick forest belt along tho Ruwu'River. Heavy rains rendered the pursuit difficult, and the enomy destroyed the bridges. We were in close contact witli the Germans, and the latter attempted a strong night attack, but were driven off with severe losses. In the meantime a strong force of South African mounted infantry, by a night march from Moslii, seized the Kahe railway station and threatened the enemy's rear./ After a day's fight the Germans evacuated the Ruwu line, leaving a four-inch gun belonging to the Konigsberg." Lord Kitchener congratulated General Smuts on the brilliant dash and energy exhibited by his force. K I