REVERSE IN SOMALILAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 876, 28 April 1903, Page 2

REVERSE IN SOMALILAND.

FURTHER DETAILS OK THE ITGHTIXG. ALL THE OFFICERS KILLED. SPLENDID DEFENCE AGAINST OYKKWiIELMING FORCE. By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. LONDON, April 26. Further details show that Major Plunkett's guide, when sixteen miles from Astrak, learned that Colonel Cobbc’s column had not reached water at Wardair.

Major Plunkett determined to tire, when he located the enemy in great strength, fifty, miles from the Guladi wells.

An engagement was forced by .the enemy, who poured in a heavy ’ ritlc lire, while their horsemen and spearsineit charged on all sides.

Major PiiinkeU and Captain Olivey finally charged with fixed bayonets.

Their lit tic force fought most gallantly until all the officers were killed. Most of the survivors of Majoi Plunkett’s force were wounded.

The. enemy’s Joss was enormous. LATER NEWS.

On Friday Colonel Cohhe’s column was in difficulties. General Manning sent Major Kcima ahead with one hundred mounted infantry, who were, successful iu relieving Colonel Cobbe at noon on the nineteenth, and the united forces rejoined General Manning thirty miles from Claladi.

General Manning subsequently re turned to Claladi. The Mullah lias retired to Wardair where it is believed that he has t-Wi thousand well-tinned, mounted me and eighty thousand spear,smeii.

REPORTED SLAUGHTER OF A THOUSAND OF ENEMY.

By Telegraph—Press' Association—

Copyright. LONDON, April 20

Later unofficial reports say that General Manning lias engaged the Mullah and killed two thousand of ins followers. The British loss is not stated. Two hundred Kaffrariau Rifles, with two Maxims, are offering for service in Somaliland.

Simla opinion favors further Indian troops being sent. The British warships at Aden have been ordered to hold Maxim parties in readiness, and to land a brigade at Berber a. FANATICAL DERVISHES. AT~LEAST 2ffoo OF ENEMY JvJLLED.

THE MULLAH’S PRICE ON MANNING.

By Telegraph—Press' Association— Copyright.

Received JJ.211 p.m., A'pril 27. LONDON, April 27. Survivors of Major Plunkett’s force report that the Dervishes displayed unsurpassed fanatical bravery. Heaps of dead were piled from the Maxims. At least two thousand of the enemy were killed. Their disinclination to interfere with Colonel Cobbe’s cxerieation shows that the Dervishes suffered terrible losses. All the survivors of Yao’s Contingent were wounded, excepting live. Many complaints are made that the service bullet proved insufficient to stop the fanatical rush. Tlie Mullah has offered a reward of one thousand camels for the capture of .General Manning.

A STUBBORN FlGllTj

BRITISH SHOW GREAT GALLANTRY*

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. Received 11.-17 p.m., April 27. LONDON, April 27. Major Gough’s column, on the 21st, killed eighteen of the enemy at. Danopj They marched on the 23rd, with men, officers, JSi camelry, and .Somali mounted infantry, in the direction of Darktoleh, where prisoners report the Mullah to lie.

While Major Gough was hampered by tiic thick bush and long grass, wo lb 31)0 riflemen, five hundred spearsmen made determined attempts to break through Major Gough’s square, charging within twenty yards and only recoiling before the .Maxim fire and repeated bayonet charges. After four hours’ lighting, the ammunition becoming scarce, Gough commenced to slowly retire, carrying the dead and wounded with him. in the meantime he sent to Danop for reinforcements and ammunition.

The fighting continued until six at night, when reinforcements arrived and Danop was reached. Captain Godfrey, of the Indian Contingent, and Captain Bruce, of the Artillery, were killed. Four officers were wounded, thirteen men killed, and twenty-eight wounded. The enemy lost 150 killed. Great heroism was displayed in rescuing Captain Bruce, when wounded, from capture.

All members of the British forces showed the greatest gallantry. Major Gough is retiring to Bohotlc.