FRONTIER WAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 290, 20 September 1935, Page 5

FRONTIER WAR

GREAT BRITISH FEAT.

HOME OF MOHMANDS OCCUPIED,.

LITTLE. RESISTANCE OFFERED. (United Press Association—Copyright) CALCUTTA, September 19. Observers describe as one of the most amazing feats in the annals of the Indian army the occupation of the precipitous 8000 foot Nahakki Pass and the plains of Kamalai, the home of the warlike Mohmand tribesmen, who have long been a thorn in the side of the Indian frontier administration. Fifteen thousand English, Scottish, and Indian troops performed the occupation at dawn yesterday. Apart from sniping by the wtfTehful tribesmen, who are probably amongst the finest shots in the world, the British and Indian force had little actual fighting, but climbing barren, rocky mountains, mostly during the hot, airless frontier nights, proved a strenuous test of endurance for the troops.

The actual occupation of the hostile territory was carried out without opposition, though it is believed that thousands of tribesmen watched, the occupation from their rocky retreats. The Highland Light Infantry actually seized the pass, after which mountain batteries and field artillery, shelled the Kamalai plains. Other troops passed through and, secured tlfe . Nahakki village, which the tribesmen were seen hastily leaving. They sniped at the soldiers, who replied with Lewis guns and rifles.

Meanwhile, cavalry, which had climbed • the very steep mountain paths, made a dashing attack on the territory in the north. Tanks, which the previous day had given invaluable service, were now unable to operate. When the troops were established, the transport column, including nearly 2000 mules, trekked through the pass into the plain. ’ ~ • ;