Waffs

Acting in conjunction with three battalions of the Waffs were a mounted

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

Wilmshurst's indomitable will that had pulled him through a bout of malaria in time to be passed fit for active service with the "Waffs," as the West African Field Force is commonly known from the initial letters of the official designation.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

The "Waffs" were off to the conquest of the last of Germany's ultra-European colonies.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

The Waffs were to remain in camp for three days, pending the arrival of the convoy.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

Waffs, having struck camp in the vicinity of Gwelba, had only just marched in.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

Haussas 'line, while a few seconds later a third exploded at half that distance again on the Waffs' flank.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

The Haussa sergeant had succeeded in following the spoor of MacGregor's horse for three and a half miles along the path taken by the Waffs of their practically barren operations against the kopje when the Huns had been reported.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

It was not until thirty-six hours later that the Waffs moved out of camp for the purpose of delivering a surprise attack upon von

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

Unsuspicious the Askaris proceeded until their movements were hidden from their friends by the intervening scrub, then with hardly a sound the five lithe and muscular Waffs leapt upon them.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917

Retiring, picking up wounded and prisoners as they went, the Waffs re-formed on arriving at the open belt of ground where the brilliant little victory had commenced.

Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force Ernest [Illustrator] Prater 1917