Alfred Dodds

The capture of Abomey on 17 November 1892 marked the fall of the last great independent kingdom of West Africa to French colonial forces. After the heavy defeat at Cana, King Béhanzin abandoned the capital, which was invested by Colonel Dodds's column without organized resistance. The last Dahomean troops dispersed into the forest. Abomey became a symbol of the end of local independence.

The Battle of Cana was the last great confrontation before the fall of Abomey. Colonel Dodds's French forces faced King Béhanzin's troops entrenched around the fortified village of Cana. After two days of fierce combat marked by several 'Amazon' assaults, the French broke enemy lines. The Dahomean defeat opened the road to the capital.

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.