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.

 

August 27, 1905

 My Lord,  

    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.

I have, &c.,  
  CROMER.

 

 

 

Major-General Sir R. Wingate to the Earl of Cromer.

 

Soudan Government, Governor-General's Office, August 25, 1905.

 My Lord,  

    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.,  
  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.  
  War Office, Egyptian Army,  August 25, 1905.
   

 

 

 

(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).

 
 
 
 

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