Misplaced Pages

#264735

92-625: The Gambia Regiment was a British Colonial Auxiliary Forces regiment raised in the Gambia Colony and Protectorate that existed between 1901 and 1958. Known as the Gambia Company from 1901 to 1939 and from 1945 to 1950, its strength fluctuated from peacetime and wartime, peaking at two battalions during World War II . The unit saw active service in both world wars, participating in the Kamerun and East African campaigns during World War I and in

184-399: A tropical wet and dry climate ( Aw ), and it is thermally equatorial rather than tropical, with a narrow range of monthly temperatures throughout the year. However, primarily due to the altitude, temperatures are not quite as hot as one would expect for a city located near the equator. Yaoundé features a lengthy wet season , covering a ten-month span between March and November. However, there

276-550: A "$ 152 million plan, largely financed by loans, primarily from the African Development Bank and the French Development Agency ", slated for completion in 2017. Despite the security issues and humanitarian crises that have plagued the central African nation, its economy remains stable. In fact, there is diversification of its productive economic activities, with the services sector contributing about half of

368-519: A brigade. The Gambia was under particular threat as it was completely surrounded by Vichy French territory. The Gambia Company was raised to the strength of a battalion in early 1940, and renamed as the Gambia Regiment. In 1941, a second battalion was formed that remained on the home front for the duration of the war. It was claimed that the two battalions enlisted in the Gambia was the highest proportion of

460-744: A brown cummerbund . During World War One, a number of Gambia Company soldiers won medals. These include three recipients of the African Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM): Company Sergeant Major Ebrima Jalu, Sergeant Samba Bah, and Private Saljen Sidibi. A number of Gambia Regiment soldiers and officers won medals for their service in Burma. The most senior of these was a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) to Lieutenant Colonel Antony Read for his "outstanding leadership" of 1st Battalion, Gambia Regiment during 1944 and 1945. Captain Jan Zieleznik

552-713: A lightly armed state unit who had been watching the Pi Chaun, the route the Japanese were advancing down - withdrew towards Labawa followed closely by the enemy. The Japanese, having been reinforced, attacked the Labawa position. As there was a danger of them penetrating between the Gambians and the Punjabis, the Punjabis withdrew to a position in the Mowdok area. On 16 May, the Gambians were attacked and

644-636: A proposal was presented to transfer the Regiment to local government control, with some financial support from the UK. The British government agreed in March 1957, but pointed out that due to the economic situation in the Gambia, the country could not be asked to increase its contributions to the maintenance of the regiment. Economic problems in the UK led to a reassessment, and later that year the Treasury said that within three years

736-628: A role through the re-taking of Kaladan Valley from Japanese forced. In November 1944, the 81st (West Africa) Division began to move down Kaladan Valley, and on 3 December reached Kaladan Village. The Arakan offensive began on 14 December, with the division taking Thandada on 24 December. On 24 January, the division forced the Japanese from Myohaung, and by May all West African operations in Burma were completed. The Japanese were defeated in Burma in August, before their overall surrender in September 1945. Following

828-453: A trading base for rubber and ivory. A military garrison was built in 1895 which enabled further colonization. After Imperial Germany's defeat in World War I , France held eastern Cameroon as a mandate , and Yaoundé was chosen to become the capital of the colony in 1922. Douala remained the more important settlement, but Yaoundé saw rapid growth and continued as the seat of government for

920-423: A year, affecting as many as 100,000 people at a time." After four years, the frequency of flooding had been reduced from fifteen to three times a year, and cases of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and malaria were reduced by almost half. Although Melingui died in 2013, local officials are continuing his efforts to transform the city. Ongoing improvements to sanitation infrastructure are being carried out under

1012-466: Is a major civilian hub, while nearby Yaoundé Airport is used by the military. Train lines run west to the port city of Douala and north to N'Gaoundéré . Cameroon is a bilingual country, where English and French are both official languages; therefore in the city there is a coexistence of French educational system schools, where the degree giving access to university is the Baccalaureate , and all

SECTION 10

#1732854607265

1104-503: Is a noticeable decrease in precipitation within the wet season, seen during the month of July, almost giving the city the appearance of having two separate rainy seasons; this is because the city is only slightly north of the equator. It is primarily due to the relative lull in precipitation during this month that Yaoundé features a tropical wet and dry climate, as opposed to a tropical monsoon climate . Two trans-African automobile routes pass through Yaoundé: Many bus companies operate from

1196-500: Is also a regional distribution centre for coffee , cocoa , copra , sugar cane and rubber . Local residents engage in urban agriculture. The city is estimated to have "50,000 pigs and over a million chickens." In 2010, under Mayor Jean Claude Adjessa Melingui, Yaoundé began a flood reduction project, the Yaoundé City Sanitation Master Plan, to deal with "severe floods [that] disrupted the city 15 to 20 times

1288-708: Is home to foreign embassies and the expatriate European, American and other continental communities (drawn mainly from the diplomatic corps). The presidential palace and compound are in the Etoudi district. Also found in Yaoundé are: There is a small zoo in the Mvog-Betsi neighbourhood. Yaoundé has a small assortment of Pubs, nightclubs and restaurants. A distance outside Yaoundé is the NGO Ape Action Africa , which rescues and rehabilitates Great Apes threatened with extinction by

1380-690: Is the Central Hospital of Yaoundé ( Hôpital Central de Yaoundé ) with 650 beds. Yaoundé General Hospital ( Hôpital Général de Yaoundé – HGY) had 302 beds when it was built in 1985. Other hospitals are the Yaoundé Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital ( Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé – HGOPY) and the University Hospital Center of Yaoundé ( Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yaoundé – CHU). The national football team plays some of its home matches in

1472-532: Is the capital of Cameroon and, with a population of more than 2.8 million, the second-largest city in the country after the port city Douala . It lies in the Centre Region of the nation at an elevation of about 750 metres (2,500 ft) above sea level . The outpost of Epsumb or Jeundo was founded between the Nyong and Sanaga rivers at the northern edge of the area's forests in 1887 by German explorers as

1564-598: The African Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for his actions during the battle. During fighting around the village of Ngog later in the campaign, The Gambia Company's Lieutenant A. E. Coombs was wounded and later Mentioned in Dispatches (MiD). During later stages of fighting, two other Gambian soldiers, Private Saljen Sidibi and Sergeant Sambah Bah were awarded the DCM. They were also mentioned in dispatches, as

1656-592: The Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium and the football clubs Canon Yaoundé , Impôts FC and Tonnerre Yaoundé are all based in the city. The Grand Prix Chantal Biya , a men's road bicycle racing event on the UCI Africa Tour , starts and finishes in Yaoundé. Yaoundé is also the base for the National Institute of Youth and Sport ( INJS ); this school trains government workers who will be in charge of sport all across

1748-599: The Bakas (pygmies) . They still inhabit the forests of the south and east regions. Bantu speakers originating in the Cameroonian highlands were among the first groups to move out before other invaders. During the late 1770s and early 1800s, the Fulani —a pastoral Islamic people of the western Sahel—conquered most of what is now northern Cameroon, subjugating or displacing its largely non-Muslim inhabitants. The outpost of Epsumb or Jeundo

1840-657: The Bermuda Volunteer Engineers with the Royal Engineers in the official Army Lists, which also listed the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps and Bermuda Militia Infantry officers as part of the British Army, whereas most colonial units were listed separately or did not appear at all), whereas others that did not receive Army Funds were considered auxiliaries (British military units, but not part of

1932-659: The British Empire were militia formations in England's American colonies (specifically, in the Colony of Virginia , settled in 1607, and Bermuda, which was settled by shipwreck of the Sea Venture in 1609, becoming an extension of Virginia in 1612) a century before the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland unified to create the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707 (at which point

SECTION 20

#1732854607265

2024-666: The British armed forces ) by the end of the Napoleonic Wars (by which time the Kingdom of Ireland had been absorbed into the Kingdom of Great Britain , forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland , and the Irish military forces had been absorbed into those of Great Britain), included two regular forces (employed in the garrisoning and defence of the British Isles, other parts of

2116-612: The Burma campaign during World War II . It was organisationally part of the larger Royal West African Frontier Force , and was part of the 81st (West Africa) Division in World War II. Throughout 1900 and 1901, the Gambia had experienced an insurgency against British colonial rule, which was eventually suppressed by a military expedition, known as the Gambia Field Force, under Lieutenant Colonel H. E. Brake. It consisted of soldiers from

2208-684: The Coldstream Guards , along with Graham, recruited a group of 75 Mendes from Sierra Leone to form part of the company. Lieutenant Morley of the Manchester Regiment and Colour Sergeant Wheatcroft of the Worcester Regiment oversaw the training of the Gambian native recruits. By 2 February 1902, the company had reached its full strength of 120 men. One quarter were native Gambians with the remaining number being from Sierra Leone. In April,

2300-587: The Gambia Field Force , a paramilitary unit, was formed to replace it. The Gambia Field Force, in turn, was replaced by the Gambian National Army in 1984. The parade uniform of the regiment consisted of khaki drill shorts with red fezzes, along with scarlet zouave-style jackets. The jacket style was inherited from the West India Regiment . The jackets had a yellow edging and red cummerbunds. In

2392-523: The Permanent Active Militia of the Province of Canada . These units consisted of professional soldiers . They supplied a reserve force either to be called up in war time to reinforce regular British Army garrisons for home defence, or in some cases were entirely responsible for home defence. Many units, however, took part in active campaigns outside of the role of home defence in various conflicts

2484-514: The Republic of Cameroon upon its independence in 1960. Most of Yaoundé's economy is still centred on the administrative structure but major industries in Yaoundé include tobacco , dairy products, beer, clay , glass goods and timber . The city has many striking monuments and buildings, such as the Presidential Palace and Palais des Congrès. The earliest inhabitants of Cameroon were likely

2576-636: The Royal Artillery taking Manger's place. At the outbreak of World War I , the Gambia Company had the strength of around 130 soldiers. Hamilton described it as "possibly the Empire's smallest 'regiment'." In September 1914, the signallers were dispatched to take part in the Kamerun campaign . Half the company under Captain V. B. Thurston was dispatched in January 1915, and the other half under H. G. V. M. Freeman

2668-986: The Royal Bermuda Regiment ; the Royal Gibraltar Regiment ; the Falkland Islands Defence Force ; and the Royal Montserrat Defence Force . The British Government is currently (2020) working with the local governments of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands to raise reserve military units in those territories, also, with recruitment for the new Cayman Islands Regiment starting in January 2020. Yaound%C3%A9 Yaoundé ( UK : / j ɑː ˈ ʊ n d eɪ , - ˈ uː n -/ ; US : / ˌ j ɑː ʊ n ˈ d eɪ / , French pronunciation: [ja.unde] )

2760-658: The University of Yaoundé II (on a campus outside of town), the Protestant University of Central Africa (UPAC) and the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC). Several of the nation's professional schools are also located in Yaounde (Higher Teacher's training college, École Militaire InterArmes du Cameroun) as well as various schools for Engineers (Polytech), Doctors (CUSS), Nurses and Diplomats. The largest hospital

2852-871: The West India Regiment and the Central Africa Regiment. With the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) being founded in 1898, the Colonial Office made the decision to raise a company in The Gambia, initially to be part of the Sierra Leone Battalion. Captain F. O. Graham of the Royal Marines oversaw its creation, with it formally being founded on 30 November 1901. Lieutenant Hoskyns of the Lincolnshire Regiment and Sergeant Noble of

Gambia Regiment - Misplaced Pages Continue

2944-662: The 1850s, the Crimean War highlighted the problems of British military organisation, leading to the abolishment of the Board of Ordnance, with its military corps and various previously civilian transportation, stores, and other departments absorbed by the British Army. The Indian Mutiny led to the abolishment of the East India Company, with the India Office taking over administration of India. The company's military forces were split, with

3036-528: The African Meritorious Service Medal to Interpreter Karifa Dembeli. On 1 June 1919, Captain H. T. C. Strange took over command from Law. The Gambia Memorial in Banjul contains the names of nine Gambian soldiers who died during World War I. Following the end of World War One, the unit retained its single company strength. The Army Council issued an instruction in 1920 calling for more officers for

3128-504: The British Army). Many colonial units started out as auxiliaries and later became regular units and forerunners to the current militaries of those colonies which have become politically independent. While most of the units listed here were army units, colonial marines were raised at various times, as were colonial naval and air force reserve units. Today, only four British Overseas Territories regiments remain (not including cadet corps):

3220-712: The British Army. Additional to the Regular military forces, the British Military also included various Reserve Forces. The main ones by the time of the Napoleonic Wars included the Militia (or Constitutional Force , composed of infantry regiments), mounted Yeomanry , and the Volunteer Force , although there were various others at different times and places. The Militia system was duplicated in many colonies, many of which would also raise volunteer units. These Reserve Forces were under

3312-409: The British Empire was involved in, including the two world wars. Some of the reserve colonial units, especially in the strategically important imperial fortress colonies (consisting of Halifax, Gibraltar, Bermuda and Malta), were funded by the War Department out of Army Funds and considered part of the British Army (by example, the Bermuda Militia Artillery was grouped with the Royal Artillery and

3404-430: The British Empire, and deploying to foreign countries as required), the Ordnance Military Corps (including the Royal Artillery , Royal Engineers , and Royal Sappers and Miners ), administered and funded under the Board of Ordnance , and the British Army (mostly composed of cavalry and infantry regiments), administered and funded under the War Office. Most were Home corps and units (i.e., those depoted and recruited in

3496-471: The British Isles, wherever they might be deployed) though some were raised in colonies. The regular forces also included at various times, usually in particular locations, invalid , fencible , and other units, utilised primarily for garrison or defensive duties. Some regular forces raised in colonies, such as those grouped in the Royal West African Frontier Force , were funded only by the Colonial Office or local Governments and therefore not considered part of

3588-426: The British held a Conference on West African Forces in Lagos , Nigeria . This conference resolved "to provide for an increasing flow of African officers into the West African forces", but no places were reserved at Sandhurst for Gambian soldiers. The conference also made plans for the distribution of two regular commissioned and two short service officers, but by 1955 these had not been carried out. In September 1956,

3680-451: The Colonies Alan Lennox-Boyd sent the following message to the regiment: Your Governor and Commander-in-Chief will have told you that the Gambia Regiment will shortly cease to be an effective unit of Her Majesty's forces. The Gambia Regiment with its record of service in two World Wars has a proud place amongst the Regiments of the Royal West African Frontier Force and I well know how disappointing it must be that you can no longer serve in

3772-418: The English Empire became the British Empire). By the Victorian era , the colonial auxiliary military forces were generally followed the pattern of the auxiliary military forces of the British Isles. There were also British military units, separate from those of the British Army (such as the West India Regiments and the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry ) that were raised and recruited in colonies, such as

Gambia Regiment - Misplaced Pages Continue

3864-449: The Gambia , Percy Wyn-Harris , recommended that the Gambia Regiment was disbanded for financial reasons. The strength of the unit on 31 December 1957 was reported to be five British officers, two British enlisted, and 161 African enlisted. The regiment was progressively reduced from 1 January to 31 March after which it was to be placed in a state of "suspended animation". In December 1957, prior to its disbandment, then- Secretary of State for

3956-479: The Gambia Regiment fell back on 23 April through Dokhan to a position covering Daletme. It was decided not to hold the Satpaung-Daletme area, and so the Gambia Regiment took up a position on a ridge 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Labawa on 1 May. Two days later, the Punjabis fell back through the Gambia Regiment to Labawa, and on 7 May the Gambians fell back to a position 3,000 yards north-east of Mowdok , afterwards known as Frontier Hill. During this, 1st Tripura Rifles -

4048-403: The Gambia Regiment was reconstituted as a separate entity, but to be maintained in peacetime at the strength of one company, known as 'A' Company. In April 1951, colours were presented to the regiment. In January 1957, the colony received Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh , and, despite their limited resources, "carried out the necessary ceremonial and hospitality with commendable skill." In 1953,

4140-415: The Gambia would have to take full responsibility for its armed forces. According to Vidler, "the prospect of maintaining the Regiment in the context of limited resources proved decisive." It was decided that an armed police wing would be cheaper and therefore a more sensible security option. The proposal to disband the regiment was not resisted by the country's elite or by the press. In 1958, the Governor of

4232-432: The Inspector General inspected the company, and it was reported on very creditably. On 16 April, a detachment of the company under Graham, escorted the Governor to punish some native Gambians in Bita Village, a Jola settlement in (Foni Bintang Karanai) District. During this period, Captain E. H. Hopkinson served as the Medical Officer. Later in 1902, the company was formally separated from the Sierra Leone Battalion. Throughout

4324-451: The Japanese pressed on their positions throughout 17 May. On 20 May, the Gambia Regiment was relieved by the Punjabis and they moved back to a position covering Mowdok. The XV Corps ordered the rest of 6th Brigade, besides 4th Battalion, Nigeria Regiment, from Taung to Chiringa with the objective of taking control of the Mowdok area. While the 6th Brigade struggled in the rain to reach Mowdok, the Japanese launched their most determined attack on

4416-451: The Japanese were strongly entrenched in a commanding position. The next day, they launched an attack but the dense jungle meant co-operation was difficult and no progress was made. On 10 February, all three light batteries had arrived to support the battalion, and with fire support another attack was launched, which resulted in a small advance. The day after, another attack was made, but again failed. By this time discouraged, no further progress

4508-412: The Kreinggyaung-Bidonegyaungwa-Kaladan line. By this time, the 5th (West Africa) Infantry Brigade was moving through the valley to support the 6th Brigade. On 4 February, the Japanese launched their counter-attack. The Gambia Regiment was positioned 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Kaladan Village on the west bank of the river. On 6 February, the Gambia Regiment, slowly advancing on Kaladan Village, found that

4600-506: The Local Forces (as they were originally all for home defence). With the threat of invasion by France, the Reserve Forces in the British Isles were also re-organised throughout the latter half of the 19th Century, into the first decade of the 20th Century. The Militia was re-organised as a voluntary force from the 1850s, and the Volunteer Force restored as a permanent part of the peacetime military establishment. Both now included units other than infantry. These changes were copied to some degree in

4692-437: The Punjabis holding Frontier Hill north-east of Mowdok. A counterattack by the Gambia Regiment made little progress, and on the following day the Japanese offensive was renewed. On 25 May, the commanding officer of Hubforce decided to concentrate around Mowdok, and on 26 May the force was set-up as follows: 1st Battalion, Gambia Regiment on the north; 1st Tripura Rifles on the south and west; 7th Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment on

SECTION 50

#1732854607265

4784-439: The Regiment. Changes in the defence policy of Her Majesty's Government mean that it is no longer necessary to maintain the Regiment in being, and the needs of the Gambia itself will be met by an expansion of the Police Force. Some of you will, I expect, join the military wing of the Police, but whether you do or not I am sure you will not let the spirit and traditions of the Regiment die. I send you all my good wishes. In its place,

4876-400: The Royal West African Frontier Force, including for the Gambia Company. The requirements were that the candidates should be older than 22, officers of the regular army or reserves, and unmarried on taking the appointment. The West African Frontier Force (WAFF) received royal patronage in 1928, becoming the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF). In 1935, with increasing tension in Africa, it

4968-401: The advance of the 5th Brigade. On 23 February, the battalion succeeded in crossing the Pi Chaun at Walagan, and by 24 February the whole of Taungdaun and Kyauktaw were in British hands. The Gambia Regiment was then put in reserve as the 6th Brigade advanced, but on 1–2 March evidence emerged of a Japanese counter-offensive, as the Scout Battalion was pushed back to Pagoda Hill. The Gambia Regiment

5060-425: The battalion, and, unable to take effective action, was overwhelmed by the Japanese and forced to retreat. A "gallant defence" was put up by members of the battalion, but to no avail. Though the 1st Battalion, Sierra Leone Regiment had broken through to reinforce the Gambians, and though the Scout Battalion and Gambia Regiment were regrouping near Pagoda Hill, divisional command made the decision not to attempt to retake

5152-460: The city between 1980 and 2014, causing massive loss of life and economic damage. However, there has been a reduction of flooding in the city since the establishment of a sanitation master plan to address the issue. Another measure was to relocate people living along the drainage routes and in low-lying flood zones. The city centre houses government offices, some hotels, and the central market. The Bastos district, with most homes owned by Cameroonians,

5244-451: The city; particularly in the Nsam and Mvan districts. Frequent buses run on the road between Yaoundé and Douala, which has witnessed several fatal accidents. Travel time by road between Douala and Yaounde is approximately 3 hours. Traffic in the city can be heavy during weekdays, but is very light during the weekends. Yaoundé has made significant progress in infrastructure, especially road construction. Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport

5336-413: The colonial Reserve Forces. From the 1870s, administration and funding of the Auxiliary Forces in the British Isles passed from the Lords Lieutenant to the War Office and their units were increasingly integrated into British Army units (new infantry regiments, by example, being formed to include two regular battalions, with one or more Militia battalions and one or more Volunteer Force battalions, all bearing

5428-420: The company, with Lieutenants Hasketh-Smith and J. A. Savage of the Northamptonshire Regiment joined the company in July. In January 1910, Lieutenant F. V. Manger of the Durham Light Infantry replaced Hasketh-Smith. In September that year, Captain H. T. Dobbin of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry took over command from Oldman, with Captain V. B. Thurston of the Dorset Regiment replacing Savage and Freman of

5520-444: The control of local authorities (the Lords Lieutenant of counties in the British Isles, and Governors in their separate offices of Commanders-in-Chief of colonies; Normally, neither Lords Lieutenant nor colonial Governors had any authority over regular forces in their territories), and locally funded. After the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars and the American War of 1812 , the British Government slashed defence spending, down-sizing

5612-410: The east. The headquarters of 6th Brigade reached Tranchi by boat on 1 June, but three days heavy rain prevented all movement. The brigade commander managed to get through and assumed command, and two companies of 1st Battalion, Sierra Leone Regiment arrived on 5 June. The next day, all troops were ordered to withdraw except 1st Tripura Rifles, with the Punjabis retreating to Tranchi on 7 June, followed in

SECTION 60

#1732854607265

5704-430: The education is in French, and the English educational system schools, where the degree giving access to university is the GCE Advanced level . There are three American schools in Cameroon, the American School of Yaounde (ASOY) and Rain Forest International School (RFIS), and the American School of Douala (ASD). There is also one Turkish School, The Amity College/School. Yaoundé is the site of several universities:

5796-400: The end of the Second World War, in 1945 the two battalions of the Gambia Regiment were demobilised and selected elements were combined to form a single company again. This was called 'G' Company, and officially formed part of the Sierra Leone Battalion. The Cape St Mary's Barracks in the Gambia became known as Frontier Hill as a tribute to the May 1944 fighting around Mowdok. On 10 February 1950,

5888-406: The field, the regiment originally wore a variation of the Kilmarnock cap , but just prior to World War II this changed to the slouch hat . Similarly, British officers attached to the regiment initially wore pith helmets , but they also later changed to the slouch hat. Although most uniforms in the RWAFF were similar, the special distinction of the Gambia Regiment was a khaki and brown puggree , and

5980-510: The following years, the initial Mende recruits were replaced with recruits from local tribes, primarily being Mandinka or Jollof , but also some Fula and Bambara . In 1906, Captain Hastings of the Manchester Regiment replaced Graham as the company's commanding officer, and Lieutenant Heeles of the Royal Field Artillery replaced Morley. 1907 saw the company issued with SMLE (Lee-Enfield) rifles to replace their carbines. In March 1908, Captain R. D. F. Oldman succeeded Hastings as commander of

6072-430: The forces of 1 Battalion, Nigerian Regiment, which were in disarray. They formed a front against the German attack, with half of the Gambia Company spread among them, and the other half of the company sent to defend the Nigerian guns. The greatest intensity of the German attacks was on the force's right flank, with the half of the Gambia Company protecting the guns heavily outnumbered. After sustaining severe casualties, it

6164-445: The four British colonies in West Africa. In January 1944, 1st Battalion, Gambia Regiment, formed a key part of the advance into Kaladan Valley in Burma. The battalion moved on the left of the British force, following a "jeepable" track that allowed the Brigade headquarters to follow, all the way to Paletwa . The battalion met light resistance at Murgai from Japanese forces, but swiftly dealt with them. The final bound to Milawa-Sepawaung

6256-408: The hill. As the retreat from Kaladan Valley was underway, it was decided to move the 81st (WA) Division across to the Kalapanzin River to strike in its flank any large scale move by Japanese forces towards Taung. The two units remaining in Kaladan were the Gambia Regiment and the 7th Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment , together forming Hubforce. During the retreat, the Japanese established themselves on

6348-594: The illegal bushmeat and deforestation trades. The places of worship in the city are predominantly Christian churches: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Yaoundé ( Catholic Church ), Christian Missionary Fellowship International and Associated Churches (Pentecostal), Evangelical Church of Cameroon ( World Communion of Reformed Churches ), Presbyterian Church in Cameroon ( World Communion of Reformed Churches ), Union of Baptist Churches in Cameroon ( Baptist World Alliance ), Full Gospel Mission Cameroon ( Assemblies of God ). There are also Muslim mosques. Yaoundé features

6440-602: The jeep track south of Mizawa, where they were attacked by the Gambia Regiment on 5 April. A second attack the next day with the Sierra Leone Regiment and supported by artillery successfully dislodged them. Attempting to withdraw during the night of the 7–8 April, they were cut off by a platoon of the Gambia Regiment, who fought them for four hours in the dark. The enemy in these actions was identified as 3rd Battalion, 111th Regiment, who had previously suffered heavily at Pagoda Hill and at other actions. They were estimated to be down to around 1/5th their original strength. Two days after

6532-440: The local Yaunde or Ewondo people. His settlement served as a base for the area's rubber and ivory trade , purchasing these from the natives in exchange for imported clothing and iron . It was also known in English as Yaunde Station . Major Dominik 's establishment of a military garrison at the site in 1895 permitted a Pallotine mission and religious school at nearby Mvolyé (now a suburb). During World War I , Jaunde

6624-643: The next two days by the Gambians and Sierra Leoneans. On 11 June, the Japanese attacked and captured Mowdok, though the Tripura Rifles set fire to the stores before falling back to Kumai. The movement of 6th Brigade was halted at once and the Gambia Regiment was sent to establish a position at the junction of the Sangu River and the Remanki Chaung, 7 miles (11 km) north of Singpa, which the Tripura Rifles were sent to patrol. The Gambia Regiment continued to play

6716-482: The north west, with artillery support from the 3rd Light Battery and the mortars of the Gambia and Sierra Leone regiments. The east flank was to be watched by the Sierra Leone Regiment and the Gambia Regiment was put in brigade reserve. The attack failed, but patrols the next day found that the Japanese had evacuated their positions. After moving up, reports reached the brigade that the enemy was concentrated on

6808-558: The regular forces, including disbanding the fencibles (most of which units had been raised in Scotland due to the lack of Militia there in the 18th Century as a result of fears of rebellion), disbanding the Volunteer Force in the British Isles, and allowing the Militia there to become a paper tiger . The Yeomanry was maintained as a back-up to the constabulary in maintaining law and order. In

6900-416: The rest of the division had left, Hubforce was able to maintain its positions at Kaladan Village. However, fearing encirclement, a retreat was commenced on 13 April, with the Punjabis falling back to Naiwa. On 17 April, the Japanese attacked the Punjabis at Naiwa, causing them to fall back through Paletwa, held by the Gambia Regiment, to Dokhan, 12 miles (19 km) to its north. With enemy pressure increasing,

6992-542: The rise of fascism in Europe was witnessed during the 1930s, and particularly following the Second Italo-Ethiopian War , plans were put in place to provide an RWAFF expeditionary force of two brigades in the event of war. When war broke out, these plans were put into effect, and eventually 28 battalions were formed, alongside light batteries , AA batteries , and all the arms and services which are required to form

7084-657: The same regimental name). Although the Auxiliary forces remained organised as, and nominally, separate forces (until the Territorial Army was renamed the British Army Reserve in 2014), their being funded by the War Office meant they were also considered parts of the British Army. Outside the British Isles, the funding of auxiliary forces remained largely with the local governments. The first colonial units established in

7176-439: The seat of government for the Republic of Cameroon upon its independence. Most of Yaoundé's economy is centred on the administrative structure of the civil service and the diplomatic services. Owing to these high-profile central structures, Yaounde has a higher standard of living and security than the rest of Cameroon. Major industries in Yaoundé include tobacco , dairy products, beer, clay , glass goods and timber . It

7268-478: The south-east to Nyangao, to intercept a possible German retreat. The Gambian column, which included a detachment from the Nigerian Battery, came under heavy opposition, but set up perimeter defences to block the route. The next day, however, it was asked to return to Mahiwa to reinforce the main brigade. Realising that the brigade had become surrounded, Roberts, the commander of the Gambian column, took control of

7360-470: The total domestic production. However, like many African countries, Cameroon has long suffered from corruption, which dominates almost all the sectors, particularly in the capital city. Oil, gas and mining revenues are rarely reported, which implies massive graft. In addition, there is weak protection of real and intellectual property, and the judicial system is vulnerable to political manipulation. According to Yaoundé City Council data, over 130 floods struck

7452-644: The white units absorbed into the British Army and the native ones composing the Indian Army . The British Army saw significant change through the latter half of the century, with the British Army Regular Reserve formed in the 1850s, following which, to avoid confusion, the Reserve Forces were generally referred to as the Auxiliary Forces (i.e., auxiliary to, but not part of, the British Army), or as

7544-626: Was Captain Thurston. In December 1916, the Gambia Company formed part of the Nigerian Brigade that was dispatched to German East Africa . In August 1917, the company moved with the brigade up to Kilwa Kisiwani , and in September the brigade advanced on the western flank of the main British force. Prior to the Battle of Mahiwa from 15 to 17 October 1917, the company had been dispatched 4 miles (6.4 km) to

7636-437: Was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). A number of others were also Mentioned in Dispatches. British Colonial Auxiliary Forces Whether a British ("Home" or "Colonial") military unit or corps was considered part of the British Army was ultimately decided by whether it received Army funds from the War Office. Within and without the British Isles, the British military, (referring to land, rather than naval,components of

7728-613: Was awarded a Military Cross (MC), as was Captain David Montague Cookson. The following were awarded a Military Medal (MM): Corporal Buba Kaita, Lance Corporal Samba Jallow, Lance Corporal Jallow Yaryah, Private Bokari Bojan, Private Kamara Kinti, Private Musa N'Jie, and Private N'Dowe Dudu. Further to this, Major Stanislaw Lisiecki was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), and Regimental Sergeant Major Simba Sallow

7820-453: Was completed on 22 January, firstly by the Gambia Regiment and later in the day by 4th Battalion, Nigeria Regiment. Patrols found Paletwa clear of enemy, but when the advance on the town began on the 24 January, Japanese were found to be well dug-in on two hills that mutually supported each other. The plan of attack was for the Nigerians to surround the position and then attack with a company from

7912-590: Was decided to retain the Gambia Company for local defence. It was then decided that it should raise an additional reserve company. In 1937, the company won the Africa Cup of the Army Rifle Association , the first time it had been one by a RWAFF unit that was not from the Nigeria Regiment. In 1940, mention was first made of a Gambia Regiment FC that played against other local association football teams. As

8004-565: Was dispatched in September 1915. This left the Gambia Constabulary to garrison the colony. The detachment from the company formed part of Haywood's column in April 1915, to serve as a preliminary to the Allied advance on Yaoundé . During the 3 May attack on heavily entrenched positions at Wumbiagas, Lieutenant K. Markham-Rose of the Gambia Company was killed. Company Sergeant Major Ebrima Jalu won

8096-462: Was dispatched to hold the hill at all costs, and the Division's orders were changed from a further advance to holding the ground they already had. The battalion was in position on the hill on 2 March, but were disadvantaged by having its companies dispersed so far apart. The Japanese were able to infiltrate the Gambian positions during the night and on dawn on 3 March, they attacked. Control broke down in

8188-664: Was forced to retreat. Eventually, Roberts' force withdrew to Nahumpa Mission. Two drafts reinforced the Gambia Company over the course of the East Africa campaign. On 8 April 1918, the company returned to Bathurst, and in November a review was held to celebrate the Armistice. In December, the Governor presented the following medals to members of the company: the DCM to Company Sergeant Major Saisey, Corporal George Thomas, and Corporal Dembah Krubali;

8280-449: Was founded between the Nyong and Sanaga rivers at the northern edge of the area's forests in 1887, 1888, or February 1889 by the German explorers Lt. Richard Kund and Hans Tappenbeck by the agreement of the chiefs of Ela Esono. From December 1889 to May 1895, it was occupied by the German botanist Georg August Zenker as an agricultural research station named Jaunde after

8372-456: Was made by the battalion until 15 February, when patrols found the Japanese had vacated its positions, having left in boats overnight. By 19 February, the battalion had moved to attempt to establish a bridgehead across the Pi Chaun river at its confluence with the Kaladan. It was facing stiff opposition, but needed to do this on order to come in on the rear of the Japanese forces that were holding up

8464-496: Was occupied by Belgian troops from the Congo . After Imperial Germany's defeat in that war, France held eastern Cameroon as a mandate of the League of Nations and Yaoundé was chosen to become the capital of the colony in 1922. Douala long remained the more important settlement, but Yaoundé saw rapid growth after 1957 due to the cocoa crisis and unrest along the coast. It continued as

#264735