Battles & Campaigns · 1914
Battle of El Herri
El Herri, near Khénifra, Middle Atlas, Morocco
What happened
Zaian Berber forces led by Mouha ou Hammou Zayani fought a French column under Lieutenant-Colonel René Laverdure. France was taking control of Morocco, and the Zaian Confederation of Berber tribes resisted. Disobeying orders, Laverdure marched by night to attack Hammou's winter camp at El Herri. On the way back his column was surrounded by thousands of tribesmen and destroyed, and Laverdure fell.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Historians describe it as the worst French defeat in Morocco. It encouraged more tribes to join the Zaian resistance.
What came next
The Zaians besieged the French base at Khénifra until relief columns arrived. The Zaian War went on until 1921.
Did you know?
In 1991 an obelisk was put up near the battlefield.
Timeline
- 1912Morocco becomes a French protectorate.
- 1914The Zaian War begins.
- 13 November 1914The Zaians win at El Herri.
- June 1920Hammou's sons submit to the French.
- 1921Hammou dies and the Zaian War ends.