 Consequently, Colonel Sakuma Samata commanding a 150-strong force marched too far inland and was ambushed by 70 natives, commencing the Battle of Stone Gate.The aborigines were already in pre-selected ambush positions behind stone, while the Japanese had to make do with what cover they could find from rocks seated in the waist-deep river and only being able to employ 30 troops at one time due to the terrain.Early in the engagement Sakuma ordered a retreat, but was completely ignored by his troops who continued to fight.