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The Army and the Nee Me Poo Crisis: A Saga of Failure, Resilience, and the Indomitable Human Spirit

Alexandre Dumas

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Published in Nez Perce Summer 1877: The U S Army And The Nee Me Poo Crisis

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In the annals of military history, the Nee Me Poo Crisis stands as a cautionary tale of unpreparedness, hubris, and the devastating consequences of underestimating an unfamiliar foe. It is a story of failure, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

The Imperial Context

By the mid-19th century, the British Empire had established a vast and far-reaching dominion across the globe. India, the "jewel in the crown" of the empire, was a particularly prized possession, its vast resources and strategic location providing immense wealth and power to the British.

Nez Perce Summer, 1877: The U.S. Army and the Nee-Me-Poo Crisis

by Jerome A. Greene

4.6 out of 5

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To maintain control over this vast territory, the British Army had established a network of outposts and garrisons throughout India and its surrounding regions. One such outpost was located in the remote and mountainous terrain of what is now Myanmar, then known as Burma.

The Nee Me Poo Valley

The Nee Me Poo Valley was a sparsely populated region inhabited by the Kachin people, an ethnic group with a long history of resisting outside rule. The British, however, saw the valley as a strategic gateway to China and sought to establish a permanent presence there.

In 1885, a British expeditionary force was sent into the Nee Me Poo Valley to secure the region and establish a garrison. The force, led by Colonel Henry Collett, consisted of approximately 500 British troops and 600 Indian sepoys.

Disaster Strikes

The British expeditionary force entered the Nee Me Poo Valley with confidence, anticipating little resistance from the local population. However, the Kachin people were determined to defend their homeland and had prepared a cunning ambush.

On March 10, 1885, the British force fell into a trap set by the Kachin warriors. The ensuing battle was a rout, with the British troops suffering heavy casualties.

Colonel Collett and dozens of his men were killed, and the survivors were forced to retreat in disarray. The Kachin warriors pursued the fleeing British, inflicting further losses.

The Retreat to Tamu

The survivors of the Nee Me Poo ambush stumbled back towards their main garrison at Tamu, a distance of approximately 100 miles. The retreat was a desperate and harrowing ordeal, with the British troops constantly harassed by the Kachin warriors.

Along the way, the British suffered from starvation, disease, and exhaustion. Many died from their wounds or from the harsh conditions of the jungle environment.

The Siege of Tamu

The remnants of the British force eventually reached Tamu, where they were joined by reinforcements. However, the Kachin warriors surrounded the garrison and laid siege to it.

The siege of Tamu lasted for several months, during which time the British troops endured terrible hardships. They were constantly shelled by the Kachin warriors, who also cut off their food and water supplies.

The End of the Crisis

In September 1885, a relief force arrived from India and broke the siege of Tamu. The British troops were finally able to escape the Nee Me Poo Valley and return to safety.

The Nee Me Poo Crisis had been a major embarrassment for the British Empire. It had exposed the weaknesses of the British Army and its lack of preparation for fighting in unfamiliar terrain against a determined enemy.

Lessons Learned

The Nee Me Poo Crisis taught the British Army several valuable lessons.

The importance of respecting the local population and understanding their culture.
The need for meticulous planning and preparation before entering unfamiliar territory.
The importance of having well-trained and well-equipped troops.

The Nee Me Poo Crisis also highlighted the resilience and determination of the human spirit. In the face of overwhelming odds, the British troops fought bravely and endured unimaginable hardships.

The Nee Me Poo Crisis is a reminder that war is always a gamble and that even the most powerful armies can be defeated by a determined enemy.

The Nee Me Poo Crisis is a complex and tragic story that offers valuable lessons for both military and civilian leaders. It is a reminder of the importance of respecting the local population, understanding their culture, and preparing meticulously for any military operation.

It is also a story of resilience and the indomitable human spirit. In the face of overwhelming odds, the British troops fought bravely and endured unimaginable hardships. Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail.

Nez Perce Summer, 1877: The U.S. Army and the Nee-Me-Poo Crisis

by Jerome A. Greene

4.6 out of 5