BRAVE NIGERIANS

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 4, 6 January 1916, Page 7

BRAVE NIGERIANS

CAPTURE OF BANYO, IN THE

CAMEROONS

STRONG- MOUNTAIN POSITION

CAPTURED,

(lIMEB. AND SYDNEY SUN SERVICES.), (Received January 6, 8 a.m.)

LONDON, sth January.

A Press Bureau statement regarding the operations in the Cameroons states : —A British officer gives details of the occupation of Banyo, in the Cameroons by the Nigerian forces, in October

The plans worked out admirably. Two columns, under Majors Mann and Cunliffe, functioned before Banyo. Tho enemy, fearing their retreat would be cut off, feebly resisted. Leaving Dodo, a perfect barrier of mountains, fronted us, which wo were compelled to climb by steep, narrow paths. We found an admirably-prepared enemy position.

We forced a wide turning movement from Banyo. The enemy position on the mountain southward \\ as grim and • stupendous. Huge boulders were conspicuous on the side of the mountain, bristling . with strongly-built sangars. It seemed hard to ask British officers to lead men against such formidable positions, but all wore extremely keen to try. # . . The infantry advanced in the morning from four directions, covered by tho fire of our three guns.. They wtfrked up slowly and doggedly, .climbing over rocks, and tearing a path through the thorny scrub and long grass under heavy rifle and Maxim fire from the sangars and concealed snipers. By evening most of the companies had struggled half-way up the hill. They were exhausted, and drenched by rain, but hung on determinedly to the ground gained, despite an incessant fire, aided by fire balls and rockets.

At dawn the men restarted climbing, capturing occasional, redoubts and sangars. The enemy rolled down rocks and threatened to use dynamite bombs. Finally our men on the hilltop were silhouetted on the skyline, and the enemy hoisted the white flag, It had been a dour, stubborn fight. The enemy believed their position to be invulnerable. Our men fought magnificently, and were gallantly led.

Nigeria ought to he proud that she can produce such soldiers; the task would have tried the finest troops in the world.