Battle of Dogba

The Battle of Dogba marked the opening of the Second Dahomey War. Colonel Dodds's French column advanced from Porto-Novo and faced Béhanzin's forces near the village of Dogba. After several hours of combat, where armament superiority and tirailleur discipline made the difference, Dahomean troops were driven back. The 'Amazons' distinguished themselves by their bravery but suffered heavy losses.

After the failure of the First Dahomey War, the kingdom continued to refuse French domination. In 1892, a new expedition was launched with the objective of capturing the capital Abomey. Dogba was the first major engagement of this campaign, pitting modern French columns against a numerous and motivated local army.

Dodds advanced in combat square, using artillery to disperse enemy concentrations. French troops maintained a dense firing line while Dahomeans, especially the 'Amazons,' attempted several frontal assaults and encirclement maneuvers. Order, firepower, and machine gun support repulsed all attacks.

The victory at Dogba allowed Colonel Dodds's column to continue its advance toward Cana and then Abomey. It demoralized part of the enemy troops but also exalted the legend of the 'Amazons.' The fall of the Kingdom of Dahomey accelerated, precipitated by French military superiority.