Garrison rapidly diminishing by disease, can only last a few more days, on very reduced rations." Six star shells were fired, that night, to let the garrison know that help was coming, but they never saw them.
At midnight, the last contingent from Northern Nigeria, the Kwisa garrison, and an escort of two companies of the West African contingent arrived.

This brought the force up to the regulation strength of one battalion, on its war footing.

At sunset the officers were called, and orders were given for the next day's work.
The direction of the march was, even at that moment, a profound secret.

The column was to be kept as short as possible, and only two carriers allowed to each officer.

Only half rations were to be issued.
At daybreak the advance sounded, and the force moved out.