War Office, Whitehall, September 27, 1910.
The following Despatch relating to Operations in the Dar Nuba District of Kordofan, October- November 1908, has been received by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, from Lieutenant-General Sir F. R. Wingate, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., D.S.O., Sirdar of the Egyptian Army and Governor-General of the Sudan :—

JEBEL NYIMA PATROL.

    This patrol was undertaken in October and November, 1908, against the inhabitants of the Nyima Hills of Southern Kordofan Province, for the purpose of compelling the return of slaves captured by the mountaineers in raids upon friendly tribes, and in order to assert the authority of Government which had been persistently ignored ever since the reconquest of the Province of Kordofan in 1899.
    The force was under the command of Major A. R. Lempriere, West Yorkshire Regiment (attached to the Egyptian Army), and consisted of:—

½ Squadron Cavalry.
1 Section Mountain Guns.
1 Section Maxim Guns.
4 Companies Camel Corps.
7 Companies Infantry.
About 500 Friendlies.

    After concentrating at Dilling, the administrative centre of the district, on 1st November, the first move was made against Fassu Hill. This was attacked from two sides at dawn on the 3rd and carried after seven hours hard climbing and considerable resistance. Very few captures were however made, the inhabitants hiding in caves and burrows in the rocks.

Losses : Killed, 1 Egyptian Officer and 1 man. Wounded, 1 British Officer and 25 men.

    The loss of the enemy was unknown, and their headmen showed no indication of wishing to treat, although they were given four days in which to come in. A further attack was, therefore, undertaken on the 8th November, which, however, at first appeared to have but little effect, though subsequently the headmen came in and made full submission.

Losses : Killed, 2 men. Wounded, 3 men.

    On the 10th, Funda Hill was dealt with several captures were made, and the following day the headmen, accompanied by many inhabitants, came into camp to pay the fine which had been previously imposed, and prepared to make all reparation and submission.
    On the 18th November, Katla Kurun Hill was proceeded against, the Cavalry and Camel Corps approaching it from one side, whilst the Infantry advanced against the other. Some resistance was encountered, but the enemy, never deeming it possible that the Government troops could scale the precipitous fastnesses to which they and their cattle had retreated, were taken completely by surprise. Many prisoners were made.
    This last achievement brought the operations to a conclusion, as the offending Chieftains realised that opposition to the Government's commands could no longer be maintained.
    The Force then dispersed, on the 22nd November, to its various stations.
    I desire to place on record my entire approval of the manner in which the operations were carried out under conditions rendered particularly arduous by the rocky and precipitous nature of the country.
    If slave-raiding was to be put an end to in Dar Nuba, a salutary lesson was absolutely necessary. Further procrastination would only have encouraged the people in the belief of their own invulnerability and the inability of the Government to enforce its commands. The trouble would undoubtedly have spread and given rise to endless misery and unrest among the whole of the inhabitants. I venture to think that this has now been effectually obviated by the results achieved by the late Patrol, and I consider that the excellent spirit, discipline and endurance shown by the Officers, non-commissioned officers and men comprising the force is deserving of high commendation.
    I especially wish to bring to notice the names of the following three officers for particularly good work performed :-
    Major A. R. Lempriere, West Yorkshire Regiment, conducted the operations throughout in a highly capable and praiseworthy manner. I consider that his arrangements and dispositions were on all occasions excellent and displayed qualities which mark him as being eminently qualified to command a force of all arms in the field.
    Captain H. D. W. Lloyd, Scottish Rifles, deserved the highest praise for his conduct of the political negotiations which led to the happy results obtained. His intimate knowledge of the inhabitants of Kordofan, of which he was Governor and Commandant, was of the utmost value, and his loyal and cordial support in placing his knowledge and the resources of the Civil Government at the disposal of Major Lempriere contributed in no small measure to the success of the operations.
    In addition to the names of several Officers, non-commissioned officers and men whose conduct was conspicuous, Major Lempriere specially brought to my notice the services of Captain J. L. J. Conry, D.S.O., The Connaught Rangers, Staff Officer to the Column. This Officer performed all his staff duties on the march, in camp and in the field, in an extremely able manner. I cannot speak too highly of his work throughout. He rendered Major Lempriere the greatest possible assistance at all times. I consider him a most capable Officer.

REGINALD WINGATE, Lieutenant-General, Sirdar of the Egyptian Army and Governor-General of the Sudan.

Khartoum, 29th December, 1908.