Page 56 - SoMJ Vol 74 - No 1, 2021
P. 56
46 The Society of Malaŵi Journal
A section of the magnificent Arab flag or banner (see p. 45) captured
at Mwasi’s. Alston presented this trophy to the Commissioner Harry
Johnston who, in turn, presented it to Alston’s father in London, Sir Francis
Alston, KCMG, JP. The Alston family presented the banner, with Alston’s
Coldstream Guards uniform and accoutrements, Central Africa Medal, Lee-
Metford rifle and other effects to the new National Museum of Malawi at its
opening in 1966.
The next day, December 31 , I marched 12 miles due west taking with
st
me a small force together with the 7- pounder under Sergt. Major Devoy.
On the way we passed several evacuated forts to which we set fire and
destroyed. At Mangwasi’s boma I found the white flag hoisted, and the chief
informed me that he wished to make terms, and to be friendly with the white man.
The terms I offered were as follows:
1. Every single house in his boma was to be searched in case the chief
Mwasi had hidden himself within it.
