Sharp Engagement on Indian Frontier.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 5860, 12 January 1903, Page 4

Sharp Engagement on Indian Frontier.

muusii (JU-LUNUI., AND CAPTAIN KILLED. In consequence of a series of raids during tho past two years by outlaws m the district between Bannu and Thai, four flying columns with a total of nbout 3200 ineuk were sent i.bout the middle of September last under the command of Major-Geneim C. C. Egerteu, C.8., D.5.0., to coerce certain sections of the Darwesh Khel Waziris, who have been harbouring theraidera. The district m question is situated on the banks of the Kuram Kiver, about sixty miles south of the Afghanistau frontier, and eighty miles south-west of Peshawur. Four columns* were employed, consisting of native troupe drawn fmni the Punjab Cavalry and , Infantry and the Sikh Infantry, together with ten mountain guns, and some Sappers and local native Militia. These columns were commanded as follows—Colonel H. M'Eae, skirting from Idnr ; Colonel J. Pollock, starting from Thai j Colonel 0. Eadford, starting from Barganattii j Colonel V. Tonnochy, starting from Gnmatti. The resistance offered by the Waziris has proved very obstinate; and unfortunately m the instance of one column there were two British officers killed and three wounded. General Egerton arrived at Shiwa on Tuesday morning without opposition. The headman and several villagers were taken prisoners. The cavalry made some further captures. Colonel H. M'Eae, commanding the first column, signalled from Spinwan on the 17th inst. that he had made 250 prisoners, and lmd captured n, largo number of cattle find a few arms. He had mot with slight resistance, and had surprised the villagers. He added that he had formed an entrenched eaaip at Spinwan. The column under Colonel Tonnochy found a strong tower at Guuiatti, which was held by six outlaws, headed by a certain Sailg\ who refused to surrender. The guns made little impression until evening. Colonel Tonnochy was severely wounded during the operations, and Major Beresford, 3d Sikhs, assumed command. The tower was stormed at five m the evening, and all the defenders killed. Colonel Tonnochy after the fight sucenmbed to his wounds. Captain G. E. White, 3d Sikhd, was killed while displaying great gallantry at the head of the storming party. The following were wounded:—Captain C. H. Davies, 3d Sikhs, flesh wfamd m the arm j Captain C. E. D. Davidson-Houston, 6th Punjab Infantry j Lieutenant G. Airy, 3d Sikhs; and eight natives. Tha fort was destroyed, nnd tho column proceeded to Zarwan.