1-526-825 - Art Media/Heritage Images

The Massacre of an British expedition in Benin, 1897. In 1896 a small armed British force under the command of Lieutenant James Phillips was sent to Benin, then an independent kingdom, to demand an end to the collection of customs duties from British traders. The force was ambushed on the road from Gwato to Benin City and all but two men were killed. The attack led to a much larger force being sent in reprisal. Benin was conquered and incorporated into the British colony of Nigeria. An illustration from "Le Petit Journal", 24th January 1897.