THE SOMALI CAMPAIGN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12648, 28 April 1903, Page 5

THE SOMALI CAMPAIGN.

COLONEL COBBE RELIEVED. THE MULLAH'S POSITION. DETAILS OP THE FIGHTING. DESPERATE CHARGES BY FANATICS. Press Association— By Telegraph-Copyright. LONDON, April 26. (Received April 27, at 8.7 a.m.) Most of the survivors of Captain Phinkett's force in Somnlilancl were wounded. The enemy's loss was enormous. Finding that Colonel Cobbe's column was in difficulties, General Manning sent Major Kenna ahead with a. hundred mounted infantry. They were successful in relieving Colonel Cobbo at noon. on. the 18th, and the united forces rejoined General Manning, 30 miles from Galadi. The General subsequently returned to Galadi. The Mullah has retired to Wardair, where it. is believed that he lias 2000 wellarmed mouated men and 80,000 spearsmen. Later xmofficial reports, state that General Manning engaged the Mullah, and killed 2000 of his followers. The British loss is not stated. (Received April 27, at 8.7 a.m.) _ Further details show that Captain Plunkett's guide, when 1G miles from Ustrak, learned that Colonel Cobbe's column had not reached water at Wardair.

Captain Plunkett had determined to retire, when he located the enemy in great strength 50 miles from Galadi Wells. An engagement was forced upon him. The enemy poured in a heavy riflo fire, while horsemen and spearmen charged on all sides. ■;•. Captains Plunkett and Olivey finally charged with fixed bayonets. Then the little force fought most gallantly until all the officers were killed. (Received April 27, at 12.45 p.m.) Two hundred Kaffrarian Rifles, with iwo Maxims, are offering' for, service in Somaliland. Simla (India) opinion favours further Indian troops being sent. The warships at Aden have been ordered to hold Maxim parties in readiness to land a brigade at Berbera. FANATICAL BRAVERY, TWO THOUSAND SOMALIS KILLED. LONDON, April 27. (Received April 28, at 11.26 p.m.) The survivors of Captain'.Plunkett's force report that the dervishes displayed unsurpassed fanatical bravery. Heaps of dead were piled ill front ■ of the Maxims. At lenst 2080 of the enemy were killed. Their disinclination to interfere with Colonel Cobbe's extrication shows that the dervishes suffered terrible losses. .J All the survivors of the Yaos contin- ] gent were wounded excepting five. Many complaints are made that the.! service bullet proved insufficient to stop the fanatical rush. The Mullah has offered a reward of 1000 camels for the capture of General Manning. ATTACK ON GOUGE'S COLUMN.. A FOUR-HOURS' FIGHT, THE BRITISH RETIRE. LONDON, April 27. (Recoived April 27, at 11.47 p.m.) General Gough's column on the 21st inst. killed 18 of the enemy at Danop. He marched on the 23rd inst., with men, officers, 181 camelry, and Somali, mounted infantry, in the direction of Dartoleh, where prisoners report tlm Mullah to be. While Colonel Gongli was hampered by the thick bash and long grass, the Somalis, with 300 rifletnen and 50U spearmen, made a determined attempt to brenk Colonel Gough's square, charging within 20 yards, and ouly rocoiljng before the Maxim fire and repeated bayonet charges. After four hours' fighting, and ammunition becoming scarce, Colonel Gougli commenced slowly to retire, carrying bis dead and wounded with him. Meantime he sent to Danop for reinforcements and ammunition. Fighting continued till G at night, when, reinforcements arriving, Dauop was regained. Captain Godfrey, of the Indian Contingent, and Captain Druce, ,ef the Artillery, were killed; four officers wero wounded, and 18 men killed and 28 wounded. The enemy lost 150 killed. Great heroism was displayed in rescuing Captain Druce, when wounded, from capture. , All the members ef the British •force' showed the greatest gallantry. Colonel Gough is retiring to Bbhotte.