History of the Gambia The Courlanders remained dominant until 1659 when their possessions were handed over to the Dutch West India Company. In 1660, the Courlanders resumed possession, but the next year were expelled by the newly formed Royal Adventurers in Africa Company. In 1667, the rights of the Royal Adventurers to the Gambia were sublet to the Gambia Adventurers but later reverted to the new Royal African Company. 1677 saw the beginning of a century-and-a-half-long struggle between the English and French for supremacy over the Gambia and Senegal. The English possessions were captured several times by the French, but in the Treaty of
Gambia Regiment brigade. Realising that the brigade had become surrounded, Roberts, the commander of the Gambian column, took control of the forces of 1 Battalion, Nigerian Regiment, which were in disarray. They formed a front against the German attack, with half of the Gambia Company spread among them, and the other half of the company sent to defend the Nigerian guns. The greatest intensity of the German attacks was on the force's right flank, with the half of the Gambia Company protecting the guns heavily outnumbered. After sustaining severe casualties, it was forced to retreat. Eventually, Roberts' force withdrew to Nahumpa Mission.