Английская Википедия:Battle of Suakin
Шаблон:Infobox military conflict
The Battle of Suakin (also known as the Battle of Gemaizah), occurred on 20 December 1888 during the Mahdist War, when General Francis Grenfell defeated a Mahdist (Often called Dervishes by Europeans), force near Suakin, a chief port of Sudan.
The Mahdist force, under Osman Digna, had advanced on Suakin with an intention to invest it. From Suakin, General Grenfell launched a sortie against the Mahdists,[1] who were attempting to capture the Water Forts.[2] After one and a half hours of fighting, the casualties were 12 on the Anglo- Egyptian side and 1,000 on the side of the Mahdists. After this, the Mahdists withdrew, removing any threat to Suakin.[3]
General Kitchener was present, commanding an Egyptian Army brigade comprising Sudanese troops, this being the first battle where units of the Egyptian Army played a significant part since its reform by the British. They performed well in battle, enhancing the reputation of both the reformed Egyptian Army and of General Kitchener.[4]
In the battle, three of the swords of the 20th Hussars broke short, an incident which later caused debate in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.[5]
Egyptian and British forces present received both the Egypt Medal with clasp 'Gemaizah 1888' and the Bronze Khedive's Star.[1]
Forces
The British forces involved in the battle were:[6]
- Royal Navy
- 20th Hussars
- 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers
- 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment
- 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles
References
