FRENCH AMBUSHED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 688, 13 June 1929, Page 9

FRENCH AMBUSHED

13 OFFICERS KILLED BY MOORS CAPTIVES’ BAD PLIGHT (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 12.30 p.m. CASABLANCA, Wed. Rebel tribesmen ambushed two companies of French-Moroccan cavalry. Latest reports state that 13 French were killed and that 15 French and 65 natives are missing. The attackers swept out of a defile, completely surprising the French officers, who were killed as they attempted to rally the native troops against whirlwind attacks. The tribesmen made a final charge at full speed and rode wildly through the French ranks, firing rifles and wielding heavy swords with terrible effect. The prisoners are now being hurried to the raiders’ stronghold, where their ultimate fate is doubtful, as the tribesmen are notorious for their malicious treatment of captives, especially Christians. A large force is preparing to pursue the raiders. The attack was made near Erfud. Eight officers, including the major in command, were killed. General Vicalon, commander of the French troops in Morocco, has gone to the scene. M. Lucien Saint, Resident General, has hurriedly returned to Rabat from Agadir. This suggests that the situation is viewed with some anxiety.