A drawing by Melton Prior, a famous war correspondent and artist between 1870-1910 illustrating the battle of Cagaarweyne 90km south of #Laascaanood. The battle took place on the 17th of April 1903 and the drawing was published on the 6th of June, 1903.
This specific drawing was dedicated to Major Arthur Plunkett who was among those leading the colonial army at the battle of Cagaarweyne. He was shot in the head at this battle and killed while escaping from the onslaught of somali Dervish forces.
At the battle of Cagaarweyne, No British officer escaped, and the surviving Sikhs were all killed on their charge back. Only forty-seven men, all Africans most of whom had been separated during the initial attack, made it back to the British colonial headquarters.
Colonial sources claim that the colonial British army consisted of 960 soldiers that included British Officers, Sikhs and Africans who worked for the British army. They were armed with maxim guns as heavy artillery and normal shots guns per soldier.
Among those also killed at the battle of Cagaarweyne was Captain Herbert Humphrey de Bohun Morris.
Among those also killed in the battle of Cagaarweyne was Captain Herbert Edward Olivey. Herbert Edward Olivey was a Captain in the Suffolk Regiment, born in 1871 in Penwerris, near Falmouth in Cornwall. His memorial is in St. Mylor’s Church at Mylor in Cornwall.
Among those killed from the leaders of the colonial forces was Captain Herbert Charles Vesey. Captain Herbert Charles Vesey had originally been commissioned in the Lincolnshire Regiment, then transferred to the 2ndSikhs division. His memorial was in Augustine’s Church, Pakistan.
Among those also killed at the battle of Cagaarweyne was Lieutenant Francis Wheler Sime. Francis qualified at Guy’s Medical School and joined the Indian Medical Service in July 1902. Shortly after sent to Join the war Campaign in Somalia. His military career was cut short at 1 yr
This was one of the many battles in a nearly 3 decade struggle waged by Somali’s against colonial forces. It’s hard to find a place in #Laascaanood and surrounding regions and areas where blood was not shed for the freedom of Somali’s and Somalia.
Likewise, It’s hard if not impossible to find someone that has not either lost a relative, had a relative wounded or many relatives that have taken part of those battles. Death and suffering was so severe that it’s estimated the people of #Laascaanood lost half their numbers.
Today, Over hundred Years later, We proudly graze our camels over the same areas our forefathers fought and shed their blood over so we may live an honourable life while our Faith, language and culture are all preserved for our Somali people.
Picture taken recently near the area
Another British Colonial Major killed at the battle of Cagaarweyne was Captain J. JOHNSTON-STEWART - 93rd Highlanders, attached 2nd King's African Rifles..
he served his country in the North West Frontier of India, South Africa and other places before meeting his fate in Somalia
He has a memorial at Glasserton Church, England.
Among those killed at the battle of Cagaarweyne was Captain L. McKINNON - Sherwood Foresters, attached 2nd King's African Rifles -
Among those that were killed at the battle of cagaarweyne was Lieutenant E.W. BELL - Suffolk Regiment, attached 2nd King's African Rifles -
Among those that were killed at the battle of Cagaarweyne was Lieutenant J.A. GAYNOR - 2nd Dragoon Guards, attached 2nd King's African Rifles
Among that were killed at the battle of Cagaarweyne was Lieutenant E.D. LUARD - Royal West Kent Regiment
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