BATTLE OF KERBEKAN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1213, 29 May 1885, Page 3

BATTLE OF KERBEKAN.

HOW GENERAL EARLE MET HIS DEATH. Further details are now to hand of the battle of Kerbekan on Februaay I Oth, when General Earle and Colonels Eyre and Coveny were killed. Tire following particulars are given by the special correspondent of the Daily News On February 9 General Earle’s column encamped near the water’s edge at Dolga—a zareoa being formed. It was known that at about one mile and a half away the enemy, consisting of about 2 i0l) men ..f the Robitat and Monashir tribes, with many Berberines, etc., lay concealed among the high rocks near; and word went round that the column would attack them early neKt morning. Great enthusiasm was felt among the troops at the prospect of having at last a brush at the rebels after so much wearisome toil. Eighteen miles had been accomplished in 20 days, and althmidi dangers, and difficulties had been surmounted with unswerving energy, and with uncomplaining, unflinching loyalty, Out bono ! was a question which would force itself to the minds of not a few impatient spirits. No fires were lit that night, cold suppers were the word ; neither diil the bugle sound. It was determined to give as little alarm as possible. It was feared that the cautious Arabs would, as they had done at Berti, steal away without showing fight Of onr presence they were, of course, aware, and of this we soon had most unmistakable evidence About nine shot after shot was fired over our he ids without damage. Then all was silent; and the night passed without any alarm. At 5.20 a.ra tires were lit, and the men had their coffee—for many their last cup. And now noiselessly they fall in, in col mu, and march straight inland over a rooky country for about a mile. They then incline to the left for about half a mile, reaching the Berber road. By this time the sun was jii-ifc above the horizon The rocky po-u tion of the enemy stood out clear, but none of them showed to the naaed eye, against the sky line ; but a few heads peeping over their natural fortress could be seen by the fieldglass. The Highlanders an I the South Staffordshire at once “ broke into skirmishing orler” six companies of the former, four of.the latter, the cavalry being sent to the right, the guns following in support of the infantry close up in re ir of the line. Two companies of the Stafford and two gnus were left to protect the boats, the Transport Corps being left to guard the Hosoital Corps, the surplus ammunition and rations, etc., in rear of all remaining stationary. This order was preserved till the high rocks in front were reached. The two regiments then rushed in between amt over these The enemy at once comm-nced a brisk fusilade, and some gallant fellows fell immediately. Shortly afterwards Colonel Eyre. commanding the South Staffordshire, fell ascending a hill, lending the attack on the second ridge, where, behind boulders, Sheik Mousa Abou Hagil was with his Robatat men—the most determined of all. These were faced by two companies of the Highlanders, led by the colonel and general himself, who was near when the fatal shot was fired. A desperate struggle now commenced. Behind every rock crag and stone a hidden or half-coccealed enemy is opening a murderous fire. The men dashed at what’ ever aperture or passage, however narrow could be found. Like wild beasts of the forest surprised in their lair, the Arabs fought at bay with the courage of despera tion, having the vantage gronn I everywhere. And thus against desperate odds onr gadant soldiers, in spite of a withering fire all round, gained rock after rock, fastness after fastness, behind which the well-directed aim of the Arabs dealt death at every shot. Inch by inch, foot by foot, with fearful odds against them do the Highlanders on tbe left and South Stafford men on the right press forward and gain ground, whilo the black granite beneath their feet became red and slippery from gore ; while on they pressed over ghastly corpses, over the groanin ', dying, and wounded. After the fbst ridge there is an open apace for about 50 yards. Carter’s battery of Egyptian artillery had contrived to work their guns through the narrow apertures, and reached to this spot. Rush after rush is made at them, hut at each a flush is seen, a hollow “ boom ” heard, and the assailants are hurled hack, and their limbg scattered to pieces. Round after round is fired, and a murderous fire kept up, while the Highlanders are scaling, in the most daring manner, what may be called a second position, attacked the while by sword, spear, and rifle The Staffordshire had a somewhat similar feat to perform.

inml most coolly and resolu’ely did hey sit to work at it. clambering over* l no-sing througn,and clim ung up a most difficult, 1 naturally fortifiel ground, and thus fur hours was heard the ring of the rifle, the clashing of sword and spear, the cheers of the soldiers encouragng each other, the yell of the infuriated Arabs, the roaring of the guns, and the groins of the dying There is one house on the rise of the ground bricksbuilt, with two windows in each wing, a door bricked up between. Most of the enemy’s positions had been turned. General Earle Is walking up to this to see what it was and what it contained, when a sorgecint cries out, 4 * Don’t go near it, sir ; there are men inside.” The man bad hardly spoken when “crack” goes a rids, an I the general is seen to fall dead—shot through his head. The bouse is surrounded, hut entrance found impossible, but it was set fire to. and an opening blown with pooler. There were from 15 to 2imen inside ; all were killed— soma shot, some burnt. They held out and fought to the last, knowing their fate if they issued forth. Shortly before this Colonel Coveny was killed By 3in the afternoon all resistance was over. General Eirle and Colonels Coveny and Byre were buried with funeral honours under a palm tree, near the camp, 21' guns being tired as a farewell salute.