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.

 

Khartoum, November 25, 1899.

 SIR,  

     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.,  
  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.

 

K. OF K.

 

 

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.

 

Fachi Shoya, November 25, 1899.

 Sirs,  

     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.,  
  F. R. WINGATE, Colonel, Commanding Expeditionary Force.

 

 
 
 

Guide to British Medals Index Page

Site Home Page

© This website and its contents are copyright. Images are digitally watermarked  All Rights Reserved. ©