2 MAY 1903, Page 3

The further details of the attack on Colonel Plunkett's detachment

at Gumburru show that he and his two hundred men fought with determined courage against two thousand mounted men and ten thousand spearmen, and killed nearly two thousand of the enemy, the two Maxims, it may be presumed, mowing them down as usual in swathes. The Mullah's force, nevertheless, charged again and again, and finally broke the square, killing all who remained alive, except about forty who succeeded in breaking through and rejoining the flying column under Colonel Cobbe. The enemy, dispirited by their losses, did not pursue, and General Manning finally extricated Colonel Cobbe and his force, the point of retreat being Galadi. It appears that Major Gough with another detachment also received a severe check on April 23rd near Danop, losing three officers and thirteen men, besides others wounded.