[2] The second prong would be an attack on the German defences at Longido in the north around Kilimanjaro, then swing south and seize Neu Moshi, the western terminus of the Usambara or Northern Railroad.

"[3] The region was a major German settlement area with established plantations of sisal, coffee and other cash crops at the northern edge of the Usambara highlands.

"[4] By late October 1914 the Indian Expeditionary Force "C" gathered with 4,000 men near the borders of British and German East Africa, commanded by Brigadier-General J. M. Stewart.

[6] On 3 November 1914, some 1,500 Punjabis of the British Indian Army came up the slope at night near Longido and, at daylight in the morning fog, were caught in the crossfire of a strong German defensive position.

[7] By mid-morning, a mounted patrol of the 8th Rifle Company ambushed a British supply column; roughly 100 mules carrying water for the troops were stampeded away by the German horsemen.