War Office, 18th May, 1906.
The following Despatches have been received by the Secretary
of State for Foreign Affairs
From the Earl of Cromer to the Marquess of
Lansdowne.
I have the honour to enclose a report which I have received
from Sir Reginald Wingate on the recent operations in the
Bahr-el-Ghazal Province.
Although the actual fighting was not of an important
character, the troops had to undergo considerable hardships by
reason of the climate and of the nature of the country which had
to be traversed. The conduct of the operations reflects credit
on the officers and men concerned.
Your Lordship will observe that three more names are added to
the somewhat long list of British officers who have lost their
lives in this portion of the Soudan. Captain Armstrong was
killed in 1903 by an elephant, and, more recently, Major
Boulnois, Royal Artillery, and Lieutenant Fell, late Royal
Navy—both officers of exceptional promise—died of disease.
Major-General Sir R. Wingate to the Earl
of Cromer.
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Soudan Government, Governor-General's Office, August 25,
1905. |
My Lord, |
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I have the honour to forward my despatch on the result of the
operations undertaken against the Nyam Nyam tribes in the early
months of this year, with a request that after perusal you may
be good enough to forward it with any remarks your Lordship may
have to make through the Foreign Office, to the War Office.
Owing to the lamentable death of Major Boulnois on the 29th
May, the papers requisite to enable me to frame this despatch
only reached me a few days ago.
I have, &c., |
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REGINALD WINGATE, Major-General, Sirdar and
Governor-General of the Soudan. |
Report on the Operations against the Nyam Nyam Tribes in the
Southern Bahr-el-Ghazal, January, February, and March, 1905.
Events leading up to the Expedition.—The circumstances which
led to the dispatch of an expeditionary force against the Nyam
Nyam tribes (Azandé) were briefly as follows:—
In the autumn of 1903, a small escort conveying a number of
presents for Sultan Yambio— the paramount Chief of the Nyam Nyam
tribe —left Rumbek under the command of the late Captain
Armstrong (Lancashire Fusiliers) for the purpose of entering
into personal negotiations with that monarch and hoisting the
British and Egyptian flags in this portion of the Anglo-Egyptian
Soudan which hitherto had not been effectively reoccupied for
administrative purposes by the Soudan Government. The confines
of Yambio's territory are, roughly : on the north, the sixth
parallel of latitude ; on the south, the watershed between the
Nile-Congo systems; on the west, the French Congo boundary ; and
on the east, the thirtieth parallel of longitude.
The correspondence which had previously taken place between
Sultan Yambio and the Soudan Government had been of so friendly
a nature that the party was organized more on the lines of an
embassy than of a force to meet and overcome opposition.
Unfortunately, a few marches from Rumbek, Captain Armstrong
was killed by an elephant, and the party had to proceed under
the command of Colour-Sergeant Boardman (Liverpool Regiment). On entering Nyam Nyam territory the attitude of the natives was noticed to be hostile, and as
the party penetrated further its march was dogged by armed bands
whose numbers daily increased, a general attack being only
averted by the determined attitude of the little force. Seeing
the futility of attempting to carry out his instructions in face
of this ever-increasing opposition, Colour-Sergeant Boardman
skilfully withdrew his force by night and by covering 120 miles
in four days managed to shake himself clear of the pursuing Nyam
Nyams with but few casualties, except in transport animals and
baggage, including the presents for Yambio.
In February, 1904, a patrol of 100 men and two guns under
Captain Wood (Royal Irish Fusiliers) was sent to again attempt
to open negotiations, but met with even less success, as it was
ambushed and treacherously attacked by a party of Nyam Nyams
under Rikhta, a son of Yambio, who had professed friendship to
Government and volunteered to aid it with supplies and
transport. The losses on this occasion were Captain Haymes
(Royal Army Medical Corps), who died of his wounds, two men
killed, and eight wounded. After the fight the patrol was unable
to proceed further owing to no supplies or transport being
available at Rikhta's—the natives in this district having all
fled. The patrol retired slowly to Mvolo (latitude 6° 6',
longitude 29° 58') in order to keep in touch with a Belgian
scientific mission which, with a large armed escort, under
Commandant Lemaire, had established itself there within
Anglo-Egyptian territory. This force Withdrew southwards, and as
it was thought; evacuated Soudan territory.
It was evident after these two attempts, that peaceful
negotiations were out of the question, so I obtained sanction
for the dispatch of an expeditionary force of sufficient
strength to overcome any opposition likely to be met with, and
to permanently establish the authority of the Anglo-Soudan
Government in this portion of the Bahr-el-Ghazal.
Composition of Force and Plan of Operations.—The force, which
was placed under the command of the late Major W. A. Boulnois
(Royal Artillery), Commandant and Governor of the Bahr-el-Ghazal
Province, was organized in two columns and composed as detailed
in (A) and (A 1) attached.
The Eastern Column, under the command of Captain A. Sutherland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), was ordered to
advance from Rumbek via Mvolo into the eastern portion of the
Nyam Nyam territory, engage the attention of Mangi, the most
powerful son of Yambio, and by enforcing his submission,
prevent him coming to the assistance of his father; whilst the
Western Column, under the immediate command of Major Boulnois,
advanced viâ Tambura and N'Doruma directly against Yambio
himself.
Concentration.—The Eastern Column was concentrated at Mvolo
by the 1st January, on which date it began its advance towards
Mangi's. The Western Column completed its concentration at
N'Doruma's, 255 miles south of Wau, in the third week in
January, and began its advance to Yambio's on the 26th of that
month.
The Operations.—The eastern column marched southward along
the Rhol River, mostly through uninhabited country, till the
30th January, when it came across a post of Congo Free State
troops located at Iré (latitude 4° 55', longitude 29° 43'),
which Captain Sutherland ascertained were a portion of the "
Lemaire mission," previously referred to, and which were
supposed— erroneously as it turns out—to have evacuated Soudan
territory. Subsequently it transpired that Commandant Lemaire
had established five posts in all in Soudan territory, the
withdrawal of which is now forming the subject of negotiations
between King Leopold and His Britannic Majesty's Government. On
the 12th February the column crossed the Meridi River and
proceeded westward to Mangi's village, where it effected a
junction with the Western Column on the 25th. There was
practically no serious opposition on the part of the Nyam Nyams
to the advance of this column, which was attributable
undoubtedly to the presence of the Congo Free State forces, in
their midst and to a heavy defeat which these forces had
inflicted on them when attacking one of their posts a short time
before.
The Western Column on the 30th January reached Zugumbia,
where the sick, and most of the transport and baggage, were left
under a guard, and advanced on the 2nd February with eight days'
rations. On the 3rd February the mounted infantry scouts located
an ambush of the enemy, who retired after a short skirmish. On
the 6th February a large force of the Nyam Nyams was found
massed to oppose the column, but retired on its determined
advance on the 7th. Yambio's village was occupied, Yambio
fleeing, into the bush. On the 8th a column under the late
Lieutenant Fell (late RN.) advanced, located Yambio himself, and
dispersed his force again after a slight skirmish. That evening
three columns went out to effect the capture of the Sultan,
which was successfully accomplished by Major Carter's column,
Yambio receiving a mortal wound in the skirmish, of which he
died that night. By Yambio's death the country was relieved from
a barbarous' and cruel despotism which had pressed heavily on
the people for many years. It was, therefore, hailed with
satisfaction, as was evidenced by the numbers who, in a short
time, came in gladly to Government, and further resistance
ended. On the 22nd February two companies under Captain Gordon
(Leicester Regiment) were detached from the column to join hands
with the Eastern Column, and one company under Major Carter
(Lancashire Fusiliers) sent to locate the four other Congo Free
State posts, reported to be established in Soudan territory.
Remarks and Recommendations.—The expeditionary force,
although not exposed to any heavy fighting, underwent
considerable hardships and arduous marching on short rations
under difficult climatic and other conditions.
The presence of the tsetse fly in a large portion of the
country traversed caused heavy mortality amongst the transport
animals, and necessitated only the absolute necessaries of life
being carried with the columns.
The bearing and behaviour of the troops were excellent, and
the cheerful spirit with which the difficulties inseparable from
an advance through dense bush were met and overcome, is
deserving of the highest praise.
Resistance to the advance of the columns would undoubtedly
have been more serious had not the Nyam Nyams—as I pointed out
before—been so severely handled by the Congo Free State forces
just previously, which naturally made them loath to try
conclusions with a relatively stronger force armed with modern
weapons so soon again. But all this was not known till
afterwards, and the force expected—and bad to be prepared
for—serious opposition from this powerful and warlike tribe.
The objects of the expedition, though gained with but -little
bloodshed, have been completely realised. A very large extent of country has been effectively
reoccupied by the Soudan Government in the name of Great Britain
and Egypt, the paramount Chief and instigator of hostility to
Government has been captured and is now dead, his sons and the
various Chiefs of the sub-tribes have made their submission,
permanent posts have been established, and a civilized
administration initiated, the influences of which, it is hoped,
will shortly be apparent in the increased prosperity and
contentment of this large and important collection of Soudanese
tribes.
In this connection I desire especially to bring to notice the
very valuable services rendered by the late Major Boulnois, who
was responsible for the organization and leading of the force,
and to whom the success which has been attained was principally
due. As a leader and administrator he showed himself to be
possessed of very high qualities, and in his dealings with the
Congo Free State officials, with whom he came in contact, he
displayed much tact and discretion. It is with the deepest
regret that I have to record the loss of this valuable officer,
who died near Mvolo in May last from the effects of a severe
attack of dysentery, whilst on his way back to Wau. I attribute
his loss to a long period of service in the Bahr-el-Ghazal,
culminating in the severe strain which was thrown upon him by
the arduous nature of the recent operations.
I have also to record with deep regret the death of the
Intelligence Officer of the Force, Lieutenant J. L. Fell (late
Royal Navy), who succumbed at Tambura's from blackwater fever,
due also to prolonged service in the Bahr-el-Ghazal, and to the
fatigue and hardship of the late expedition. This officer was
mainly responsible for cutting a navigable waterway through the
great marches of the Jur River, he had much influence with the
natives, by whom he was held in high esteem, and his loss is
greatly to be deplored. Major Boulnois, who died before
Lieutenant Fell, expressed a wish on his deathbed that the very
valuable services to the expedition of this officer should be
brought to notice, and I most cordially endorse that
recommendation.
Captain Sutherland, who commanded the Eastern Column,
displayed much common sense and zeal in the execution of his
duties.
Major Carter, commanding the 9th Sondanese Battalion, was
successful in effecting the capture of Yambio.
Owing to Major Boulnois' death I called on Major Carter and
Captain Sutherland for the names of officers whom they consider
he would have recommended, and amongst many others whom they
have brought prominently to notice, I have selected the names of
the following for special mention:
Major H. A. Bray (Royal Army Medical Corps), Principal
Medical Officer of the Force.
Captain H. Gordon (Leicester Regiment), commanding 10th
Sondanese Battalion.
Captain A. J. B. Percival, D.S.O. (Northumberland Fusiliers),
commanding Mounted Infantry who, in addition to his services in
the expedition, marched with his company from El-Obeid to
Tambura's, a distance of over 700 miles (without losing a man or
animal) through almost unknown country, ,thus performing a very
valuable reconnaissance which has contributed largely to the
meagre information hitherto existing of the regions he
traversed.
Captain A. B. Bethell (Royal Artillery). This officer, prior
to the advance from Wau, proceeded alone on a Mission to
Tambura's, and in spite of the rumoured hostility of this and
other Azandé chiefs, he succeeded in making arrangements with
them which greatly facilitated the subsequent progress of the
expedition.
Captain R. L Rawson (Northumberland Fusiliers), acted as
staff officer to the late Major Boulnois, and his valuable
services have been. strongly brought to my notice.
Captain S. K. Flint (Royal Fusiliers) was in charge of the
transport—a duty which involved very hard and continuous work;
in spite of heavy losses in animals this officer succeeded in
keeping the troops as well supplied as was possible under the
circumstances.
Amongst the large number of Egyptian and Soudanese
officers and non-commissioned officers who have been brought to
notice, I have selected the following as specially deserving of
mention:
Bimbashi (Major) Almaz Effendi Mursi, 10th Sondanese
Battalion ;
Sagh Kolaghasi (Adjutant-Major) Musa Effendi Fuad,
who acted as staff officer to the Commander of the Eastern
Column ;
Yusbashi (Captain) Ismail Effendi Mustafa, 9th
Soudanese Battalion ;
Yusbashi (Captain) Atta Effendi El Sudani,
15th Soudanese Battalion ;
Yusbashi (Captain) Abdel Samit
Effendi Elgindi, Medical Corps ;
Yusbashi (Captain) Mohammed
Effendi Safan, Transport.
REGINALD WINGATE, Major-General, Sirdar
and Governor-General of the Soudan. |
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War Office, Egyptian Army, August 25, 1905. |
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(A.)
STAFF.
Officer Commanding, Major W. A. Boulnois, Royal Artillery.
Chief Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant J. L. Fell (late Royal
Navy).
Staff Officer, Captain R. I. Rawson, Northumberland
Fusiliers.
1.
WESTERN COLUMN.
Artillery.
Captain A. B. Bethell, Royal Artillery (Commanding).
5 Egyptian officers.
74 rank and file.
72 mules.
1 Maxim-Nordeufelt and 4 Maxim machine guns.
Mounted Infantry.
Captain A. J. B. Percival, D.S.O., Northumberland Fusiliers
(Commanding).
1 Egyptian officer.
72 rank and file. 93 mules.
Infantry.
9th Soudanese.
Major B. U. M. Carter, Lancashire Fusiliers (Commanding).
Captain C. Leigh, D.S.U., King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Captain H. M. Hutchinson, D.S.O., Connaught Rangers.
Captain J. I. Wood-Martin, Northamptonshire Regiment.
13 Egyptian and Soudanese officers.
400 rank and file.
10th Soudanese.
Captain H. Gordon, Leicestershire Regiment (Commanding).
Captain H. R. Headlam, York and Lancaster Regiment.
7 Egyptian and Soudanese officers.
200 rank and file.
Medical Corps.
Major H. A. Bray, R.A.M.C. (S.M.O.).
Captain F. J. Brakenridge, R.A.M.C.
4 Egyptian officers.
19 rank and file.
Transport.
Captain S. K. Flint, Royal Fusiliers (Commanding).
2 Egyptian and Soudanese officers.
38 rank and file.
149 mules.
2.
EASTERN COLUMN.
Infantry.
15th Soudanese.
Captain A. Sutherland, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
(Commanding).
Captain C. E. Foster, Royal Lancaster Regiment. Lieutenant G.
J. Ryan, D.S.O., Royal Munster Fusiliers.
8 Egyptian and Soudanese officers.
143 rank and file.
Medical Corps.
Major J. H. Rivers, R.A.M.C.
3 rank and file.
Transport.
1 Egyptian officer.
53 mules (with drivers from infantry).