The exploration of Tibesti, Erdi, Borkou, and Ennedi in 1912-1917 : $b a mission entrusted to the author by the French InstituteTilho, Jean
History
The exploration of Tibesti, Erdi, Borkou, and Ennedi in 1912-1917 : $b a mission entrusted to the author by the French Institute
Tilho, Jean
Chad -- Description and travel
This exploration of Tibesti marked the end of the long journeys that had
been indispensable to the acquisition of a general knowledge of the vast
desert regions placed under my authority. The calculation of my numerous
observations, the making of general maps, the setting in order of my
notes of travel, and the writing of reports to be sent to the Government
occupied all my leisure in 1916. There was not much of it, by the way,
for distant effects of the world-war were already beginning to be felt
in Africa. The Grand Senoussi, Ahmed Sherif, was lending a more and more
willing ear to the suggestions of Nouri Bey’s Turco-German mission, and
sending one emissary after another to preach revolt to the different
sultans responsible to the French and British authorities; his
exhortations were particularly well received in Dar Four and in the
south of Wadai, where the English Colonel Kelly and the French Colonel
Hilaire had to do some serious fighting before they could restore order.
In the desert country I had charge of, the unrest had become almost
general among the nomads, and my camel-corp patrols had hard work to
maintain the regularity of our communications: there were rumours of a
great expedition of Germans, Turks, and Senoussists, with cannon,
machine-guns, and five thousand fighting troops, which was said to be
forming at Koufra to cross the Libyan desert and drive the French from
Borkou, Tibesti, and Ennedi. We made superb defensive preparations, but
no expeditionary force from Koufra ever came; what did come to reinforce
the rebels were brigands and highway robbers who made the roads unsafe,
and whom we had to pursue in all directions more or less. Among the most
remarkable of the expeditions of this period two deserve special
mention: they were led by Adjutant Amboroko, an old black non-
commissioned officer whose energy, courage, and high spirit won
universal admiration.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account