BRITISH FORCE ACHIEVES DECISIVE VICTORY.

Taihape Daily Times, 23 May 1919, Page 5

BRITISH FORCE ACHIEVES DECISIVE VICTORY.

DETAILS OF THE ENCOUNTER

PESHAWAR, May 19.

Saturday’s victory was more complete than was previously reported. We captured four guns. Over a- hundred dead were counted in one small scetoi. A llargc enemy force attempted ,a night attack. We used stajr shells frcclv, disclosing the enemy rushing aimlessly .about. By dawn the enemy had dragged his guns to the hill-tops and began bombarding oui camp. The heights were stormed, the Afghans at first resisting stoutly; hut the hill-tops wore taken after the loading regiments were reinforced. The Agfhau gunners stuck to their posts, and bayonet work followed before the guns were captured. After we reached the heights, the bulk of the .Afghan force could be seen in the valley, running hard. Our troops fired on them, and many fell. When the Afghans abandoned Dakka the Sinwaris entered for the purpose of looting, but fled on our approach, leaving the town half-sacked.

AEE I DAS OUT FOR LOOT,

SIMLA, May 19

Afridis, inspired by stories of the enormous amount of loot obtained by the Simvaris from the Afghans, arc now discussing the chance of raiding Bassawal, in order to loot the Afghan camp there. Chitral reports that local Afghan tribesmen are greatly excited at the prospect of loot from the Amir’s troops.