[size=14pt]Enemy More Highly Trained Now[/size]

During the Aro campaign in 1901-2, at the fight of Okoroji’s Farm, the most elaborate series of beautifully made and concealed trenches was discovered. For about half a mile before the trenches were encountered the country was fairly open, being covered with tufts of grass a few feet high, and stunted bushes. On entering this open country the leading company had reinforced the scouts, and advanced in extended order, followed by the leading maxims and a 75 millimetre gun, ready for action. The flankers were well thrown out. The advance was continued in this formation. When the extended company arrived at a point about 300 yards from where the path and the enemy’s trench met (see plan), an exceedingly heavy fire was opened by the enemy. They were well armed, and the Snider bullets began to hum over the heads of the troops, sounding like a swarm of bees. The puffs of smoke of the guns appeared along such a regular line in the bush that trenches and a prepared position were suggested at once. This being so, a halt was made, and, with the object of occupying his attention, the guns opened a heavy fire, directed at the white puffs immediately in front. Parties were then sent right and left to outflank the trenches. The left hand party found none, but seriously interfered with one line of retreat which the enemy had prepared for himself. The right hand party was taken in flank while advancing, and had to turn right hand and charge the enfilading trench, which it did with great dash ; then working on, it successively took the remaining trenches, and got on to the enemy’s other line of retreat. The guns in the centre then ceased fire, and the trenches in front were taken by assault, thus co-operating with the flanking parties. The enemy fled headlong, and suffered severely. Prisoners afterwards reported that these trenches were manned by 2,500 Aros, and 5,000 more were in the town half 5 a mile off, with swords and matchets, ready to aid in cutting up the column as soon as it had been thrown into confusion. The section and finish of these trenches were admirable, and their well-planned position made it difficult to believe that they were not the work of some highly trained men. It call be seen that this position would not have been taken if the troops had remained on the path and been content to fire volleys at the smoke of the enemy’s guns.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL W. C. G. HENEKER, D.S.O.

Bloemfontein, August 22, 1906.

Bush warfare
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/DLCD-DCSFT/pubs/bushwarfare/BushWarFare.pdf

Man, I wish I has been there to witness and partake in the defence of Arochukwu. If it hadn't been for the howitzer artillery and maxims, the Aros would have emerged victoriously. Afterall the two sides were evenly matched, the Aros had knowledge of the ground and also trenches. A néw advancement in defencive warefare which would change the manner in which wars were fought forever onward.

Aro should have handled its neighbors better, then the outcome would have been different.

They were in good terms with their Igbo neighbors. Even warriors from Abriba, Abakiliki, Ohafia and Efiks were present to help. Just they weren't so well with the Ibibios.

Ngwa.

ezeagu:

Aro should have handled its neighbors better, then the outcome would have been different.

ezeagu:

Ngwa.

yeah, okay

I shi nini kwan?

Aro o ji ññiri ka Ngwa? Abegi. Aro, handle Ngwa?

'Handle', as in foreign relations, not handle as in subdue.

Oh okay. In that case then yea, I agree. Had Aro foreign relations with Ngwa been better, then maybe Ngwa would not have backed the British during the campaign.

What happened after: Burning of Arochukwu