THE WAR ON THE MAHSUDS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 75, 22 December 1919, Page 7

THE WAR ON THE MAHSUDS

BRITISH OUTPOSTS ATTACKED. Allahabad, December 18. Tho Mahsuds attacked our outposts after we had cncamned at Jandola, and displayed considerable bravery and organisation; despite a hail of bullets from I,ewis guns and rides and sheila from tlio mountain batteries. At ono '.imp they advanced in extended order in approved fashion, and attempted to rush our position. British officers state that n'liny of these tribesmen are deserters from our frontier militia. The enemy suffered severely.—Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH FORTES ADVANCE FIVE MILES. (Hoc.' Dcccmbcr 21, 5.5 p.m.) Allahabad, December 20. Our forces 'have advanced five miles into tho Malisud country from Jandola since December 18, capturinir several positions after stiff fighting. Twenty aeroplanes accompanied the column, bombing and machine-gunning tlio country ahead. Tho chief surprise for the Mahsuds was our now 3.7 howitxer, which is a most compact and convenient gun. Much sniping is going on. AVe suffered casualties in an attack on Surkai Ridgo. An official communique reporting on the failure of the negotiations states: "Considerable opposition is expected to our advance on Makin."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. BIGGEST BATTLE OF THE EXPEDITION. (Rec. December 22, 0.5 a.m.) Bombay, December 20. The Berajat column, from Jandola on December 18 engaged in the biggest battle the expedition thus far lias produced. Tlio Surkai Ridgo was held by two thousand .Mahsuds, while tho entrance to Shahur and tho hills westward of Jandola was hold by a mixed force of Way.irifi and Mahsiids. The enemy was driven from the .ridge in the direction of Kpinukaikueli and the hills, which v.-o occupied. Aditillory and aeroplanes continue to harass the tribesmen, who suffered heavily. Our casualties were slight.— Renter.