IN EAST AFRICA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16415, 21 June 1915, Page 5

IN EAST AFRICA

SUMMARY 'OF RECENT OPERATIONS. LONDON, June 18. The Press Bureau thus summarises operations in East Africa during March, April, and May •.—" At the end of Febru ary information was received that a German detachment of 300 Askaris, including a considerable portion of Europeans, under Captain Hexthaueen, was marching northwards to invade British territory in the Karunga dietrict, east of Lake Victoria Nyanza. A small force of the King's African Rifles, with artillery and mounted scouts, under Lientenant-colonel Hickain, was despatched to meet the enemy. They encountered them on March 9, when stiff fighting ensued. The Germans resisted bravely, but, after several hours' fighting, often at close quarters, the enemy retired south of the Mara River, disorganieed and demoralised. Our casualties were 12 killed and 14 wounded. The enemy's losses of native troops is believed to be heavy. "On March 11 one of our armed steamers on the Victoria Nyanza engaged the German steamer Muanza, and drove her ashore in a disabled condition.

" A detachment of Indians and King's African Rifles attacked the German poet at Salaita on March 26, when, despite the arrival of reinforcements, the enemy were driven off. Owing to the flight of native porters we lost two machine guns. Our casualties were 5 killed, 9 wounded, and 7 missing.

" An affair of patrols occurred on April 11 near the Moltraesh River. Major Walker, of the Punjabis, was killed. "Between May 9 and 22 two small expeditions were successfully carried out. One in clear country south of the Simbe, the other the capture of the steamer Sybil, which was wrecked earlier in the Nyanza. Country 30 miles south of Simbaenti was cleared of the enemy, who retired across the frontier. The Sybil was refloated and docked. Our casualties were 5 killed and 3 wounded. The enemy lost 20."

SCHOOLS' BELGIAN FUND. SYDNEY, June 19. (Received June 20, at 4 p.m.) The Schools' Belgian Fund totals £27,704. PATRIOTIC FUND RACES. MELBOURNE, June 20. (Received June 20, at 4 p.m.) The King's Birthday race meeting in aid of the Patriotic Fund realised £8000.