NOVEL WARFARE NEAR LAKE CHAD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2130, 12 July 1907, Page 3

NOVEL WARFARE NEAR LAKE CHAD.

BRITISH FORCE FIGHTS CAVEDWELLERS. Nows of further lighting which has taken place with Tibllk bands in the province of liormi readied England just prior to the departure of the last mail. When the first news of the fighting was received a month earlier, it was stated tlnft the operations, which had lasted ten days, and in which there wero 53 British casualties, were at an end, and that some troops were left to patrol the country. The news just to hand indicates that the troops who were left behind again had a series of extremely difficult operations against the remnants of the people who had not ‘given in. A force of 40 moil cleared the lower caves without loss, ■ and proceeded half-way up the hill underground without once coming to the surface. A block-house, made of cowhides and skins, was dragged up over the boulders and placed in position in charge of a strong picket. The Tibuks fired arrows for a day 'and a night at the blockhouse without, however, doing any damage. On the following day a further attempt was made to locate the water supply and a force of 50 men, under Lieutenant Wolseley, divided into small parties, entered the lower cave. The whole place was found to bo a labyrinth of caves and passages occupied by pagans, who shot from black holes and from either side of tin. passages, so that it was impossible to clear them. vSome of the pagans succeeded in getting behind the attacking force, while others threw down great rocks. Meanwhile the danger of being buried alive in the pasages was very great. Though the casualties were few, the fighting was very severe and trying, and the men behaved with exceptional courage. It being found impossible to locate th’ water supply, arrangements were again made to patrol the hills and surrounding country, so as to watch the entrances of the caves, and prevent the Tibuks from returning. It is felt that a much larger force will be necessary if the whole place is to be cleared. The wonderful accuracy of the pagan arrow-fire is again commented upon. Mapv of the troops, though not actually wounded, received arrows through their clothes and equipments, and at night any exposed fire would become the target for arrows directed against tho men sitting near.