Yoni Expedition Explained

The Yoni Expedition was British campaign launched in 1887 against the Yoni Chiefdom of the Temne people of Sierra Leone.

Composition of expedition

The expedition was led by Francis de Winton and consisted of:^[1]

• 1st West India Regiment: 298 troops
• Sierra Leone Police Corps: 45 men
• HMS Acorn, HMS Icarus and HMS Rifleman: 38 naval personnel
• irregulars from friendly tribes: 400 men The British were supported by a force led by Sory Kessebeh from Bumpe, who had previously experienced attacks from the Temne.^[2]
• local porters to transport supplies: 500 men
• local bush-cutters to open up a track through the bush: 200
• government officials and military officers: 19 men

The seamen manned a 7-pounder rifled, muzzle-loading field gun and a Maxim machine gun. The West Indians were each armed with a Martini-Henry rifle and they also operated tubes firing rockets.

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Yoni Campaign. The Soldier's Burden. Kaiserscross. 29 April 2016.
2. Book: Fyle. Magbaily C. Historical Dictionary of Sierra Leone. 2006. Scarecrow Press. Lanham Maryland.