AN EXTRAORDINARY MISTAKE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2778, 3 May 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

AN EXTRAORDINARY MISTAKE.

Probably one of the oddest things ever recorded in the history of modern warfare happened (says the Times of India) the other day in connection with the Kachin expedition. A column was sent out from Momeit on the south and another Bhamo on the north to punish a large body of rebels who have been displaying a little too much activity lately in the neighbourhood of the Schweli River. The rendezvous was Manton, which it was thought had been in the temporary occupation of the Ivachins. When Captain CJreeuway's column arrived, however, the rebels had left the field clear for them and hastened off up the hills. Captain Greenway promptly occupied the villago, and made things ready in anticipation of n possible surprise. In the meantime, Major Blundell arrivpd within hail of the village, and seeing signs of aotivity within, concluded that ,he Ivachins were still possession, and forthwith proceeded to shell the place. Capt. Greenway's column, deeming attack by no means unlikely, naturally mistook the firing for that of the Kachins and returned it with some warmth. The rival columns attacked each other with tremendous vigour, and each was. doubtless not a little astonished at the determined attitude of its supposed savage antagonist. Nobody seems to have got hurt—which is perhaps a very curious commentary on bo vigorous and unprecedented a battjp,