THE BRITISH CAMPAIGN IN UGANDA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 57, 9 March 1899, Page 2

THE BRITISH CAMPAIGN IN UGANDA.

HARDSHIPS OF THE UPHOLDERS OF f

OUR FLAG

A Parliamentary paper gives a connected account of operations in Uganda following the mutiny of Major Maedonald's native troops, who thought they had fought too hard and received too little pay for the share they bore in that officer's mission into the Upper Nile region. The entire Protectorate covers an area of 90,000 square miles, and the later military operations affected about half that extent, or a surface nearly enual to the ■whole of England, and immensely more difficult. Disaffection seems to have disappeared, and the overworked mutineers have been satisfactorily dealt with. A REMARKABLE CAMPAIGN. The operations, says Major Macdonald, extended over seven months, and involved five engagements, in which we lost over 10 per cent, of the number engaged, seven minor engagements, and thirty-five .skirmishes in which loss of life occurred, not to count occasions when shots were exchanged without apparent loss on either side, and until almost the close of the operations the odds were on the aide of the enemy. Fortunately, our enemies were widely separated, and did not all rise together, or combine their efforts, and an opportunity was thus afforded for beating them in detail. But the work and strain on both men and officers was necessarily severe, more especially as the latter could realise that if certain not improbable combinations amongst the enemy were effected, our position would be practically hopeless during the earlier half of the struggle. GOOD MARCHING. From Major Macdonald's report we take the following, which will give some idea of the marching powers of our troops in these distant regions:

Considering that at the commencement of the operations under my command the total force at my disposal consisted of 17 regulars and some 340 Swahilis, and that even at the close of the operations, the total only amounted to 2,000, including all classes, it will be evident that the work was exceptionally heavy, and in., volved much arduous marching. Thus the 56 miles from the Nile to Kampala was covered in two days by Captain Woodward's column, and later by that of Capt. Harrison. Lieutenant Scott, D.5.0., in his forced march to Mruli, accomplishfd 65 miles in throe, days, and Captain Sltwell, in pursuit of Mwanga's army, marched 91 miles in four days. The Buddu expedition, marching to relieve Masaka and Bija, covered 164 miles in eight days. Head quarters in the month of January marched 390 miles, and in two consecutive months had to traverse 6)0 miles, while the total distance covered during the operations was 1300 miles. Part of Captain Barratt's force has marched 450 miles during tthe operations, and has been present in three engagements, while Major Price has covered 400 miles since his arrival, and immediately after a march of 600 miles. When the hilly and swampy nature of most of the country is considered, these performances are the more remarkable.

Another feature of these operations is the great distance which the reinforcements had to march to get to the seat of war, and their very creditable rate of march, considering the difficulties of the road, and of the -extemporised transport service. Captain Harrison had to march from Machakos to Lubwa's, a distance of 350 miles, and attained an average rate of 18 miles a day. Lieut. Scott, D.5.0., with 150 soldiers of the Indian contingent, moved from Mombasa, and had, from railhead, to march about COO miles, yet his average was nearly 14 miles per day. Capt. Barratt and Major Price had both to start from Ndi, 600 miles from Lubwa's. The pursuing column from the Ravine to Mumia's averaged thirteen miles a day, although marching by an old native track, and having to cut a way through the forest of Mau, and bridge two impassable rivers, while the other two columns of the expedition between the Ravine and Lubwa's had to cover 500 miles.

Captain Barratt's and Major Price's men have in all had to traverse over 1000 miles, Captain Austin's men 1400, and the headquarters 1700 miles, if the distance from rail-head be taken into account. SOLDIERS OF THE QUEEN. The following extracts are characteristic of many others in this^Parliamentary paper: Honorary Lieutenant Wake, British East African Rifles, has been an example of determination and courage since he arrived in the country. Lieutenant Wake had his donkey shot under him. On account of the loss of a limb in a former engagement Lieutenant Wake has to ride a pony or a donkey in action. Suffering as he does it is a great achievement for him to have accomplished the journey from Mombasa, but in addition he has most gallantly led his men on each occasion in action, in many cases having to be carried across swamps under fire, or supported on a donkey. I would also beg to point out that in his case there has been no word of complaint nor request for relief, and under all conditions he has been most anxious to remain and see conclusion of the rebellion and mutiny. Major Price writes respecting one of our coloured soldiers: I have the honour to bring to your notice, for favourable recognition, the courageous act of wakeel-ombashi Mahomed Juma, Uganda Rifles. When the enemy's picket on the top of a hill overlooking the stockade was surprised before dawn on the 4th inst., one of the enemy's picket dashed into the hut to get his rifle and ammunition; finding he could not effect his escape, he proceeded to discharge his rifle from inside in all directions. Wakeel-ombashi Mahomed Juma and Interpreter Ihrahim, who were nearest the small opening to the hut, without a moment's hesitation, dashed in; the mutineer fired his rifle, the bullet causing a severe scalp wound in Mahomed Juma's head. Before he could do further damage he was captured. A later report conveys the melancholy intelligence that the gallant corporal died of his wounds, and that the officers were inquiring into the needs of his family. RECOMMENDATIONS. Major Macdonald gives a list of officers and men whom he specially mentions for the favourable consideration of the home authorities. The officers are:—Major C. Martyr, of the Uganda Rifles; Major C. H. U. Price, of the 27th Bombay Light Tnfantry; Lieutenant Malcolm, of the Uganda Rifles; Lieutenant C. C. Price, of the 27th Bombay Light Infantry; and Lieutenant E. St. A. Wake, of the East Africa Rifles.