The Mad Mullah.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 273, 23 October 1902, Page 4

The Mad Mullah.

London, October 20. It is officially announced that a flying column under Colonel Swayne encountered the Somalis in a thick bush at Erego, a day’s march from Mudig, twice repelling the Mad Mullah’s attack on the 6th, and inflicting heavy, losses. L’fae column captured 100- rifles. Colonel Swayne, having collected his transport and formed a zareeba, reconnoitred during the afternoon, and after sharp fighting drove the enemy off. Colonel Phillips, Captain Angus, and 50 men were killed -and 100 wounded. The Secoud African Rifles had five men wounded. Severe losses were sustained in the transport and riding camels. The Somali levies were considerably shaken, but as the Mad Mullah is being reinforced and approaching from all sides, Colonel- Swayne, being hampered by transporting the wounded and want of water, is now returning to Eohatalih. He asks that the remainder of the Second African Rifles and 60U further reliable troops should be despatched to Berbera. A desert of 200 miles separates Bohatleh from Berbera. Arms and ammunition for the Mullah from the sea coast ware previously captured by Colonel Swayne’a force.

The Times recommends the landing of Indian. troops at Berbers.

The check the advance has received is a serious one, but Colonel Swayne will doubtless hold his present position. Kail -Inger, an Austrian, is advising the Mullah. October 21

The Mullah engaged by Colonel Swayne is simply a Mullah, not the Mad Mullah, who is else where.

The newspapers criticise the Foreign Office for inadequately supporting Colonel S wayne, and for failing heretofore to send sufficient troops to stiffen the raw Soinali levies; also for declining to’establish a permanent military post at Buiao. Fears are expressed that the passive tribes will now join the Mullah in an attempt to block the ultimate line of retreat to Berbers.

Viscount Gran borne, in the House of Commons, stated that Mr Manning, principal officer of the Protectorate, had arrived at Aden, and that after the expiry of their leave an Indian battalion would be placed at the disposal of Colonel Swayne. The remainder of the reserve battalion of the Protectorate had been ordered forward. The Government would, send other reinforcements if needed*

According to Mr Pease, member for Cleveland in the House of Commons,-who is familiar with bomaliland, the Mullah’s force numbers between 2Q,0Q0 and 30,000. .