THE DISASTER IN WEST AFRICA.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8729, 27 February 1894, Page 5

THE DISASTER IN WEST AFRICA.

DEFEAT OF ANOTHER FORCE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, London, February 25. Lieutenant Boyle, of the Raleigh, wa_ also among those dangerously wounded in the right near Bathurst. Admiral Bedford is forming a larger expedition to drive Fodislah into the French territory, where the natives are on the look out to capture him. The British troops were entrapped into an ambush near Bathurst. It is reported that another detachment under Colonel Corbett is missing. February 26. News from the West Coast of Africa states that the British party which was landed from the gunboats after the defeat of Captain Gamble's detachment was also repulsed by the slavo dealers. Later particulars show that Captain Gamble's force consisted of 225 blue jackats. The detachment was caught in an ambush, and after a vain attempt to withstand the withering fire of the enemy, retreated to the boats. The Arabs captured the field pieces and 6000 cartridges, aud also carried oft the bodies of the slain, with the exception of those of Lieuts. Arnold and Meister. The total number wounded ou tlie British side was fifty-two.

On receipt of tha news of the defeat at Bathurst the gunboat Alecto proceeded to Gaujor and lauded a party of biue jackets, who were unable to mak. any headway, aud had to beat a retreat before the heavy fire of the enemy. A detachment of the West India regiment, 300 strong, will be sent to reinforce Admiral Bedford's expedition.