War Office January 30, 1900.
THE following Despatch, with its Enclosures, has been
received from Major-General Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, G.C.B.,
K.C.M.G., late Sirdar of the Egyptian Army.
From Major-General Lord Kitchener of Khartoum,
Sirdar, to the Under-Secretary of State for War, London.
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Khartoum, November 25, 1899. |
SIR, |
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IT having been decided
to operate against the Khalifa, on 20th October, I concentrated
a force of 8,000 men at Kaka on the White Nile, 380 miles south
of Khartoum, and advanced against the Khalifa at Gebel Gedir, a
hill in Southern Kordofan, upwards of 80 miles from the river.
The head of the column having reached Fongor, 50 miles inland
from Kaka, it was ascertained that the Khalifa and his force had
escaped north. As it was impossible to overtake him with the
start he had, owing to the dense jungle, only the cavalry and
camel corps were sent on to reconnoitre Gebel Gedir, and the
force returned to Kaka.
In connection with the organization of this force, and the
conduct of the above operations, I desire to specially mention
the names of the following officers :-
Lieutenant-Colonel Talbot (Royal Engineers),
Director of Military Intelligence.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, Commanding 2nd Infantry Brigade.
Major Hamilton (Royal West Surrey Regiment), Deputy
Adjutant-General.
Brevet-Major Peake (Royal Artillery), Commanding Artillery.
Capain Gamble, (Lincolnshire Regiment), Commanding 1st
Battalion.
Captain O'Connell (Shropshire Light Infantry), Commanding 2nd
Battalion, and subsequently in Command of the Duem Garrison.
Lieutenant Graham (Royal Lancashire Regiment), my A.D.C.
A flying column in
gunboats was then organized under Colonel Lewis, to keep touch
from the river with any of the Khalifa's forces, attempting to
establish themselves on the banks.
On the 13th November the Dervish advanced guard, under the
Emir Ahmed Fedil, debouched on the river at El Alub, but retired
on being reconnoitred by Colonel Lewis' forces.
Mounted troops and transport were at once concentrated at
Fachi Shoya, and, on my return from a necessary visit to Cairo,
I despatched Colonel Wingate (Royal Artillery) with
reinforcements of artillery to take command of the Expedition,
and to march to Gedi, where I anticipated the Khalifa would have
to halt.
The flying column left Fachi Shoya on the 21st November, and
comprised a squadron of cavalry under Captain Bulkeley-Johnson
(2nd Dragoons) ; the 2nd Field Battery and 6 maxims (two of
which were fully horsed, in order to act with cavalry), under
Captains Boulnois, Franks, and Simpson-Baikie (Royal Artillery);
six companies of camel corps, under Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel
Henry (Northumberland Fusiliers), and a brigade of infantry
under Colonel Lewis, composed of the 9th Sudanese (Major Doran,
Royal Irish Regiment), the 13th Sudanese (Major Maxse,
Coldstream Guards), one company of the 2nd Egyptian Battalion,
and an Irregular Sudanese Battalion under Brevet-Major Gorringe
(Royal Engineers), also detachments of Medical and Supply
Departments under Lieutenant Stallard (Royal Army Medical Corps)
and Captain Howard (Army Service Corps).
The camel transport, to carry rations and three days' water, was
under Lieutenant Hoskins (North Staffordshire Regiment), and a
body of local Arab horsemen was raised and commanded by Captain
Mahmud Effendi Hussein, Egyptian Cavalry.
The subsequent operations of this column, resulting in the
entire defeat of the Khalifa's army, are fully described in
Colonel Wingate's report to me, which I attach.
Colonel Sir R. Wingate's previous services on the staff are
so notorious that I need not allude to them ; he has now shewn
himself to be the capable leader of men I felt sure he would
prove himself to be should the occasion arise. The operations
under him were carried out with consummate ability, energy, and
determination, and he has thus struck the last blow at Mahdism.
I freely endorse Colonel Wingate's remarks on the good services of
the officers and men he has mentioned.
The country has at last been finally relieved of the military
tyranny which started in a movement of wild religious fanaticism
upwards of 19 years ago. Mahdism is now a thing of the past, and
I hope that a brighter era has at length opened for the Sudan.
I have, &c., |
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KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM, Major-General, Sirdar. |
A full report on the operations has also been
submitted to His Highness the Khedive, in which are included the
names of the various native officers, non-commissioned officers,
and men who have distinguished themselves, and of whose
excellent conduct and devotion to duty Colonel Wingate speaks in
the highest terms.
From Colonel Sir Reginald Wingate, Commanding
Troops on the White Nile, to His Excellency Major-General the
Right Hon. the Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, G.C.B., &c., &c,
Sirdar.
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Fachi Shoya, November 25, 1899. |
Sirs, |
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IN accordance with your
instructions to me to proceed with a flying column towards Gedi,
and to deal with the Dervish forces Under the Emir Ahmed Fedil
and the Khalifa Abdulla, which were expected to be in that
neighbourhood, I have the honour to inform you that, at 4 p.m.
on the 21st of November, I left Fachi Shoya with a force of
3,700 men.
The troops bivouacked from 6 to 10 p.m., on the 21st
November, five miles south-west of Fachi Shoya, and then marched
during the night in bright moonlight to the vicinity of Nefisa
(15 miles). During the advance the cavalry scouted two miles to
the front, and drove in ten Dervish horsemen, whilst the camel
corps covered both flanks and rear.
Our information led us to believe that a strong force of
Dervishes, under the Emir Ahmed Fedil, with a considerable
quantity of grain, raided from El Alub, was then at Nefisa, on
his way to rejoin the main Dervish Army, under the Khalifa, in
the vicinity of Gedi.
Leaving the transport in a good defensive position, the force
advanced at dawn in fighting formation towards the Dervish
position. Shortly afterwards, however, the cavalry reported
Nefisa evacuated, and the Dervish camp, in which we found a
quantity of grain, was occupied at 8 a.m.
A sick Dervish, who had been left behind, informed us that
Ahmed Fedil's force had just moved to Abu Aadel, some five miles
distant. This information was shortly afterwards confirmed by
Captain Mahmud Hussein, who, with a few Arab horsemen, boldly
reconnoitred the Dervish camp, which he found occupied.
Fearing that Ahmed Fedil might be continuing his move
south to join the Khalifa, I lost no time in despatching Brevet
Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon (8th Hussars), in command of the
cavalry, camel corps, four maxims and two field guns, the whole
escorted by the Irregular Sudanese battalions, with instructions
to proceed with all speed to Abu Aadel, and there hold the
enemy, until I could come up with the supporting infantry which
had been delayed watering.
Colonel Mahon carried out my instructions admirably ; coming in
touch with Dervish horsemen on rising ground, he seized a
position within 300 yards of, and commanding the Dervish
encampment, on which he immediately opened fire.
The remainder of the artillery and maxims were at once pushed
on to reinforce him, and the infantry followed with all speed to
his support, arriving just in time to assist in repelling a most
determined and bold attack by the Dervishes on the artillery
position, which, owing to the configuration of the ground, the
enemy were able to approach within a distance of 60 yards,
before they were checked by the steady fire of the artillery,
maxims and camel corps.
The whole line now advanced towards the Dervish position, which.
was concealed in the thick bush, and drove out the enemy who
were already in full retreat.. Streaming through the camp, they
were seen emerging from the thick cover on to a grassy plain a
mile-and-a-half beyond, up to which point they were pursued by
the infantry, whilst the cavalry, camel corps and maxims
continued to follow up the fugitives for a distance of five
miles.
Fedil's entire camp, containing a large amount of grain, arms, &c.,
fell into our hands, besides a number of prisoners, women,
children, and animals.
The Dervish loss in killed is estimated at 400, and numbers of
wounded men subsequently succeeded in reaching the small and
polluted pool of water in the centre of the camp, where all
prisoners and grain were collected.
Our casualties in this action consisted of Captain Mustapha
Effendi Shahin, Camel Corps, dangerously wounded ; rank and
file, one killed, three wounded.
Information as to the exact whereabouts of the Khalifa's main
body was now somewhat conflicting ; most credence was attached
to the statement that he had left El Homara three days before,
with the intention of proceeding to Gedid, where Ahmed Fedil was
to join him with his captured grain, and then the entire Dervish
force was to march in a northerly direction.
At midnight, therefore, the advance of the force towards
Gedid was resumed, and, after a somewhat trying march, that
place was reached at 10 a.m., on the 23rd inst. Here,
fortunately, a good supply of water was found in a pool. Had
this pool dried up, as I had been led to expect, the force,
having exhausted its water supply, would have been obliged to
retire, and, in anticipation of this possibility, a convoy of
camels had been sent back from Abu Aadel to the river to fetch
sufficient water to enable us to return to Fachi Shoya.
A Dervish deserter, found at Gedid, reported the Khalifa's
force to be encamped some seven miles to the south-east; Captain
Mahmud Effendi Hussein, with a few Arab horsemen, was,
.therefore, again sent out to locate its position, which, after
a most intrepid reconnaissance, he discovered to be at Om
Dubreikat.
It was now clear that our occupation of Gedid had placed the
Khalifa in an unfavourable position, strategically : his route
to the north was barred, his retreat to the south lay through
waterless and densely wooded districts, and, as our seizure of
grain supplies in Fedil's camp would render his advance or
retirement a matter of considerable difficulty, it seemed
probable that he would stand. I therefore decided to attack him
at dawn, on the 24th.
Leaving the transport well guarded near the water at Gedid,
with instructions to follow' us at 4 a.m., I advanced with the
force at 12.20 a.m.
The cavalry and galloping maxims screened the advance about
half a mile ahead, and the camel corps continued to scout along
the flanks. During the advance, portions of the road were
thickly wooded, and the cutting tools' of the infantry pioneers
and artillery were frequently used.
At 3 a.m., the enemy's position was reported about three
miles distant, and the force was deployed into fighting
formation. Meanwhile, the cavalry and maxims had halted two
miles ahead at the foot of slightly rising ground, some distance
beyond which the enemy's camp had been located the previous day,
and its position was now fully confirmed by the personal
reconnaissance of Colonel Mahon. Very cautiously and with as
little noise as possible, the entire force continued to advance;
in the distance the beating of " noggaras " and the blowing of "
ombeyas" was suddenly heard; but the sound soon died away, and
at 3.40.a.m, the rising ground was reached, and the long grass
with which it was covered effectively screened our movements.
The force was now halted, the cavalry scouts were withdrawn and
replaced by infantry picquets, and the troops lay down to await
the dawn.
At 5.10 a.m., in the uncertain light preceding dawn, our
infantry picquets were driven in, and the indistinct forms of
the advancing Dervishes became visible. The line was immediately
prepared for action, and at 5.15 a.m., the guns and maxims
opened fire, followed by infantry volleys. It was still too dark
to accurately observe the enemy's movements, but a brisk reply
to our fire gradually becoming heavier on our left front
indicated that an attempt was being made to turn our left flank.
A hotter fire was poured in this direction, our right was
gradually thrown forward and the left flank was prolonged.
As the light improved, large bodies of shouting Dervishes were seen
advancing, but our steady volleys and gun and maxim fire kept
their's under, and it gradually slackened.
The whole line was now advanced down the gentle slope towards the
Dervish position, and, moving forward at a more rapid pace, soon
drove the retiring enemy towards their camp, which lay concealed
in the midst of trees about one-and-a-half miles beyond our
first position.
Cease-fire sounded at 6.25 a.m., and, as the troops advanced
towards the camp, numbers of the enemy surrendered and were
given the " Aman."
Thousands of women and children were found in the camp which,
most fortunately, had not been reached by our fire, and numbers
of fugitives who had passed through it now returned and threw
down their arms.
The cavalry and camel corps continued the pursuit for some
miles, and it was soon evident that the entire force had
surrendered. Occasional shots were exchanged with some of the "Jehadiah"
of the Emir Khatim Musa, but on his surrender all gradually came
in and gave themselves up.
Immediately in front of the line of advance of the 9th
Sudanese, and only a few hundred yards from our original
position on the rising ground, a large number of the enemy were
seen lying dead, huddled together in a comparatively small space
; on examination, these proved to be the bodies of the Khalifa
Abdulla et Taaishi, the Khalifa Ali Wad Helu, Ahmed-el-Fedil,
the Khalifa's two brothers, Senuousi Ahmed and Hamed Mohammed,
the Mandi's son, Es-Sadek, and a number of other well-known
leaders.
At a short distance behind them lay their dead horses, and, from
the few men still alive— amongst whom was the Emir Yunis
Eddekein— we learnt that the Khalifa, having failed in his
attempt to reach the rising ground where we had forestalled him,
had then endeavoured to make a turning movement, which had been
crushed by our fire. Seeing his followers retiring, he made an
ineffectual attempt to rally them, but recognising that the day
was lost, he had called on his Emirs to dismount from their
horses, and seating himself on his " furwa" or sheepskin—as is
the custom of Arab chiefs, who disdain surrender—he had placed
Khalifa Ali Wad Helu on his right and Ahmed Fedil on his left,
whilst the remaining Emirs seated themselves round him, with
their body-guard in line some 20 paces to their front, and in
this position they had unflinchingly met their death. They were
given a fitting burial, under our supervision, by the surviving
members of their own tribesmen.
The Khalifa's death was the signal for wholesale surrender, and by
the afternoon we had collected upwards of 3,000 men and 6,000
women and children, besides quantities of rifles, swords,
spears, cattle, etc.
Amongst the prisoners are 29 important Emirs, a few of whom
are wounded, and in this latter category is included the Sheik
Ed Din, the Khalifa's eldest son and intended successor.
Our casualties in this action amounted to three killed and 23
wounded, making a total of four killed and two officers and 27
men wounded in the two actions.
The total. Dervish losses during the two days' fighting are
estimated at 1,000 men killed and wounded, and 9,400 prisoners,
including women and children.
I would refer briefly to the excellent behaviour and
gallantry of all troops who took part in these operations.
The importance of striking rapidly at Fedil's force; and
following up the blow on the Khalifa's main body, necessitated
long night marches with little rest during the day, and demanded
all the powers of endurance on the part of every member of the
force. From 4 p.m. on the 21st, to 7 a.m. on the 24th, a period
of 63 hours, the troops had covered a distance of 57 miles and
fought two successful actions.
No commanding officer could have received more loyal or
genuine support than I have from every officer and man of the
force it has been my good fortune to command; and, in submitting
for your favourable consideration the names of those officers,
non-commissioned officers and men whose services have been most
prominently brought to my notice, I would add my warm
endorsement to the recommendations that have been made.
In conclusion, I have to submit, for your favourable
consideration, the names of the following officers and
non-commissioned officers :-
To Brevet Colonel Lewis, commanding the Infantry Brigade, my
most cordial thanks are due. The previous good services of this
gallant officer are well known. On him devolved the arduous duty
of rapidly concentrating the flying column at Fachi Shoya, prior
to my arrival. Throughout the recent operations he has given
fresh proof of his capacity for command, and to his energy and
great practical knowledge of the handling of troops I attribute,
in a large measure, the success which has been achieved. Colonel
Lewis has brought to my notice the good services performed by
his Brigade Major, Captain Doughty (Royal Welsh Fusiliers), and
by Captain Smyth, V.C. (2nd Dragoon Guards) his Intelligence
Officer and aide-de-camp.
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Hickman (Worcester Regiment) acted as my
Chief Staff Officer throughout the operations. On him devolved
all the details of organisation of the force, and his capacity
as a Staff Officer of exceptional ability was never more
apparent. His energy, foresight, and tact, mark him out as a
most valuable officer.
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Mahon(8th Hussars) acted as
Assistant Adjutant-General, and was also in charge of the
Intelligence Department:. I cannot speak in sufficiently strong
terms of the excellence of the services performed by this
officer. I invariably placed him in general command of all the
mounted troops; his personal disregard for danger, intrepid
scouting, and careful handling of men, all fit him for high
command ; his bold and successful seizure of the position in
front of Fedil's camp, and his conduct Of the fight before I
came up, show him to be possessed of exceptional qualities as a
commander, and I have the greatest pleasure in recommending this
valuable officer to your favourable consideration.
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Henry (Northumberland Fusiliers)
was in command of the Camel Corps. During the long night marches
his corps was charged with guarding the flanks, and in the
reconnaissances it served as a temporary escort to the guns,
pending the arrival of the infantry. In the attack on Fedil's
position, Colonel Henry disposed his command to the best
possible advantage, and the successful repulse of the determined
Dervish rush towards the guns was, in a large measure, due to
the steady and accurate fire of his men.
Major Maxse (Coldstream Guards), Brevet Major Doran (Royal
Irish Regiment) and Brevet Major Gorringe (Royal Engineers)
commanded the 13th, 9th, and Irregular Sudanese Battalions
respectively, and I cannot speak too highly of the excellent
behaviour on the line of march, and the gallant conduct in
action of every officer, non-commissioned-officer, and man
composing this infantry brigade. Such results can only he
obtained by constant drill and attention to discipline, and the
gallant and able commanders of the 9th and 13th deserve special
commendation for the high state of efficiency of their
battalions. It was in front of the 9th that the Khalifa met his
death. The results obtained by Major Gorringe in organising in a
few days his irregulars and keeping them well in hand during the
fighting are remarkable, and testify to the ability and capacity
of this most energetic officer.
Brevet Major Watson (King's Royal Rifle Corps) and Brevet
Major Wilkinson (Lincolnshire Regiment) acted as Deputy
Assistant Adjutant-General (B) and Deputy Assistant Adjutant
General (A) respectively. The valuable qualities of these
excellent staff officers are well known to you. During the
recent operations they have given fresh proof of their energy
and capacity, and on every occasion they proved of the greatest
assistance to me. Major Watson carried my telegraphic despatch
to you from the Khalifa's camp to Fachi Shoya with great speed,
and was accompanied on this mission by Lieutenant Cowan, R.N.
Captain Bulkeley-Johnson (2nd Dragoons) commanded the 7th
Squadron. The comparatively small force of cavalry available
rendered the duties of scouting and reconnoitring very arduous.
The behaviour of the men was excellent throughout, and they
showed much dash in pursuit.
It is a very great pleasure to me to bring to your notice the
excellent services performed by the artillery under Captains
Boulnois, Franks, and Simpson-Baikie (Royal Artillery).
Throughout the operations they commanded their various units to
the greatest possible advantage, and showed an amount of dash
and gallantry which largely contributed to our success. Captain
Franks took charge of the galloping maxims in all patrols and
reconnaissances. The unflinching manner in which the guns and
maxims were served in the attack on Fedil's camp is worthy of
all praise.
Captain Howard (Army Service Corps) acted as Staff Officer of
Supplies, performing General Staff duties in addition, and
Lieutenant Hoskins (North Staffordshire Regiment) commanded the
transport of over 1,000 animals. The energy and activity
displayed by these two officers, and the arduous nature of their
duties, which were carried - out to my entire satisfaction,
induce me to specially bring their good services to your notice.
Lieutenant Newell (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) acted
as Staff Officer in charge of water supply, and in this capacity
proved himself a capable and energetic officer.
Lieutenant Stallard (Royal Army Medical Corps) was in charge
of the medical arrangements, and was ably assisted by Lieutenant
Nickerson (Royal Army Medical Corps). These Officers did all
that was possible, not only to alleviate the sufferings of our
,wounded, but were also indefatigable in attending to the
Dervish wounded, large numbers of whom passed through their
hands.
Veterinary Captain Lewis (Army Veterinary Department) was in
charge of the Veterinary Department, and carried out his arduous
duties in a most satisfactory manner.
The names of the following officers have also been brought to
my notice for good services:—
Brevet Major Sir H. Hill, Baronet (Royal Irish Fusiliers),
Irregular Sudanese Battalion.
Captain Phipps (Dorsetshire Regiment), second in command, 13th
Sudanese, and acted temporarily as Staff Officer to Officer
Commanding Infantry Brigade.
Captain Norbury (Worcestershire Regiment), Camel Corps, second
in command.
Captain Herbert (Royal Highlanders), Irregular Sudanese
Battalion.
Captain A. Cameron (Cameron Highlanders), attached to 9th
Sudanese.
Lieutenant Whishaw (South Staffordshire Regiment), 13th
Sudanese.
Lieutenant Paget (West Yorkshire Regiment), Camel Corps.
Lieutenant Langdon (Liverpool Regiment), 13th Sudanese.
Lieutenant Ingle (Middlesex Regiment) acting second in command,
9th Sudanese—horse shot.
Lieutenant Wilson (East Lancashire Regiment), attached to 9th
Sudanese.
Lieutenant The Honourable E. Guest (1st Life Guards), Camel
Corps.
Second Lieutenant Honourable A. Hore-Ruthven (Cameron
Highlanders), Camel Corps.
Lieutenant Flint (Royal Irish Rifles), transport.
Lieutenant McKey (Middlesex Regiment), transport.
Second Lieutenant Scott-Barbour (Highland Light Infantry),
transport.
Second Lieutenant Nicklin (Oxfordshire Light Infantry),
transport.
Naval Officers:
Lieutenant Cowan, R.N., commanding the gunboat flotilla,
accompanied the Expedition in capacity of staff officer. I have
much pleasure in bringing his valuable services to your notice,
he is a most zealous and energetic officer, and afforded me much
assistance throughout the operations.
Lieutenant Fell, R.N., was employed as Commandant of Fachi Shoya,
during the absence of the Expedition and carried out his duties
to my entire satisfaction. He was ably assisted by Lieutenant
Escombe, RN.
Non-Commissioned-Officers.
Colour - Sergeant Seabright, Royal Marine Artillery.
Colour - Sergeant Seddons, Royal Marine Artillery.
Sergeant Sears, Royal Marine Artillery. Staff-Sergeant McConnell
(Army Gymnastic Staff).
I have, &c., |
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F. R. WINGATE, Colonel, Commanding Expeditionary
Force. |