§ Mr. Lennox-Boydasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the quantity of sand, silica and mouldings, and
214Wsurrounding area during which time they came under fire at a range of some 30 yards. The two platoon commanders, who were at the head of the patrol, were killed by the early bursts of fire, and the company commander and a lance corporal, who went forward to investigate, were killed shortly afterwards. The remainder of the company, on the sound of fighting being heard, were moved out of their defensive position to reinforce the reconnaissance patrol. This party itself, however, came under fire from a further group of bandits. The ensuing fighting lasted for two hours before contact was made, with the survivors of the reconnaissance patrol. I regret to say that in both actions three British officers and one other rank were killed and six other ranks were wounded. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my sympathy with the relatives of the officers and men. Bandit casualties were seven killed.