CO882-(2-3) — Page 725

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

FICO.

882

3

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO

288

For long this village has been the haunt of all the worst disposed and turbulent Malayo.

The Queen's Commissioner deeming it necessary to disarm the inhabitants and to destroy the houses of certain known leaders, I made the following arrangements :-

The village of Kota Lama is on the left bank of the river. Lieutenant-Colonel Cox crossed with his party in boats and moved up the bank a little more than a mile, when he extended the men, the left of the line keeping close to the river, and skirmished through the village.

Mr. Maxwell, Deputy Commissioner, accompanied Lieutenant-Colonel Cox.

Captain Young moved his party in a similar manner up the right bank to a village of the same name. His orders were to collect any arms, but not to destroy or injure houses or property as the inhabitants have been well disposed.

Captain Speedy, Assistant Commissioner, accompanied Captain Young.

Major McNair, I, and my staff went with Captain Garforth's party of the Naval Brigade.

We landed on the left bank just above the village, and leaving a few blue jackets in charge of the boats, we moved in the direction of the village, expecting there to find Lieutenant-Colonel Cox's party.

Twenty blue jackets landed with us and we were joined by Lieutenant Hare, R.E., with 4 Goorkhas, who had been assisting him to measure the distance along the bank,

We proceeded some distance before we came to some houses which I desired should After about an hour be searched for arms. They were with few exceptions deserted. and a half we came upon several houses close to each other, the largest being occupied by women and children.

It being necessary to ascertain whether any men also were in it, Major McNair sent in two of his Malay followers.

After satisfying himself that there were only women and children, he had just got down from the steps, telling those inside not to be alarmed, as they would not be harmed, when we heard several shots, and from a jungle close by some 50 Malays rushed out upon us, a few with firearms but the rest with spears. The attack was so sudden that we were almost surrounded and had to retire. The conduct of the marines and sailors was deserving of all praise, if it had not been for their steadiness few, if any, of us would have escaped.

As it was, I regret to say that our loss was heavy in proportion to the numbers engaged; a report with return of casualties is attached."

Just before this attack was made several officers moved away in the direction of the river, 200 yards distant. Major Hawkins was it is supposed following them, when he was fatally wounded with a spear. No one seems to have seen him fall, but Captain Garforth reports that William Sloper, A.B., came up to him on the ground, shot two Malays who were coming towards him, and stopped with him until Major Hawkins said, "Save your- self; you can do me no good now."

Major Heathcote, who with Captain Badcock, Lieutenant Preston, and Major Twigge had gone on in front of Major Hawkins towards the river, turned back with these officers and tried to move him, but they had to fall back to the river before the superior numbers who were getting round them.

Surgeon Townsend was the first to be assailed, he being a little advanced three Malays assailed him with spears; the centre one he shot with his pistol and the man falling for- ward upon him knocked him down; the other two Malays were driving at him when Harry Bennett, A.B., and William Thompson, A.B., rushed forward and killed them

both.

The conduct of the three blue jackets above-named has been especially brought to my notice, but all behaved admirably in a very difficult position, and very great credit is due to the three officers, Captain Garforth, Lieutenant Wood, and Sub-Lieutenant Poor, who directed and led them,

Lieutenant-Colonel Cox's party had gone all over the ground on which this occurred, and it is supposed that our opponents must have made for the jungle on the approach of the skirmishers and returned after they had passed. Lieutenant-Colonel Cox returned through the village in the same order, and having destroyed every house that he passed arrived here about 2.30 o'clock p.m. without firing a shot.

Captain Young's party returned about the same time without having met with any opposition.

The bodies of five Malays were found, and I have reason to believe that their loss must have been greater,

289

The close and hand to hand nature of the engagement is shown oy all the casualties having been caused by spear wounds.

I have, &c. (Signed) J. Rosa, Brigadier-General Major-General the Hon. F. Colborne.

Commanding, Larut Field Force. N.B.-A large quantity of arms, spears, muskets, and swivel wall pieces were taken, and a large iron 12-pr. gun was spiked and thrown into the river.

A list of arms taken shall be forwarded.

J. Ross, Brigadier-General.

Foregoing forward to the private secretary his Excellency the Governor, Straits Settlements, for information.

J. Ross, Brigadier-General

Commanding, Larut Field Force.

COPY of a LETTER, No. 9/76, dated Qualla Kangsa, January 4, 1876, from the PRINCIPAL MEDICAL OFFICER, Larut Field Force, to the BRIGADIER-GENERAL COMMANDING, Larut Field Force.

SIR,

I HAVE the honour to forward for your information a list of the killed and wounded at the assault on the village of Kota Lama.

Killed:-Major H. Hawkins, Brigade Major. Spear wound two inches below the apex of heart, spear transfixing the chest and lungs, passing downwards and wounding diaphragm and liver, passing out below tenth and eleventh rib at right side.

Seaman Gunner, William G. Soane, H.M.S. "Philomel." Spear wound of right side of spine, transfixing chest and having its exit five inches below the right nipple.

Sumber Bisanath, Sepoy, 1st Goorkhas. Spear wound, left side, wounding spleen, and tarnsfixing the abdomen a little to the left of the unsiform cartilage.

Wounded:-Surgeon Townsend, A.M.D. Severe spear wound, middle third of right arm. Slight spear wound of left leg.

Private Jasper Ball, Royal Marines. Double spear wound at epigastrum, protusion of intestines and omentum. Spear wound at middle of left arm and another of left hand.

Sujoo Mappa, Sepoy, 1st Goorkhas. Severe spear wound of right forearm. Serwick Sing Tappah, Sepoy, 1st Goorkhas. Severe spear wound of right forearm. The severity of the spear wounds in all the fatal cases completely transfixing the body, and the fact of the men having been wounded in several places, show the close quarters that the force fought at, and the detertnined resistance of the Malays.

Qualla Kangus,

January 5, 1876.

I have, &c. (Signed) WILLIAM COLLIB, Surgeon Major, P.M.O., Larut Field Force.

ABSTRACT of above.

European British Boldiers,

Native Infantry.

Oficers

Olloers.

Xen.

+1

Killed

Wounded

Total

A

BALOT.

Remarks.

*Major H. Hawkins, Brigade

Major.

*Surgeon Townsend, A.M.D. Naval Brigade, since dead. 1st Goorkhas.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

3

Reference:-

THILLICO. 882

............---------------

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO

BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

3

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE

| PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE. LONDON