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Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #25504.
Bennett Burleigh’s work is a first‑hand chronicle of the British‑Egyptian campaign that culminated in the decisive Battle of Omdurman on 2 September 1898. Framed as a “re‑conquest” of the Sudan, the book opens with a sweeping declaration that the overthrow of Mahdism has opened Central Africa to civilization, then moves into a detailed pre‑face that outlines the author’s sources, telegram dispatches, letters to the Daily Telegraph, personal notes, and contributions from officers, photographers and map‑makers. The opening pages set out a systematic account, from the early days of waiting and preparation through the series of battles that led to the occupation of Khartoum, Fashoda and Sobat, and even the withdrawal of the French expedition under Major Marchand. Burleigh’s narrative promises a blend of battlefield description, strategic overview, and vivid anecdotes drawn from his own proximity to the events and the people who shaped them.
The tone is that of a late‑Victorian military journalist, combining factual reportage with a confident, imperial voice that reflects the era’s attitudes toward empire and “civilisation.” Burleigh’s prose is dense with military terminology, geographic detail, and occasional moral commentary, while the extensive illustrations, maps and photographs reinforce the documentary feel. Readers who enjoy meticulously sourced histories of colonial warfare, especially those interested in the Anglo‑Egyptian forces, the Mahdist uprising, and the geopolitical reshaping of the Sudan at the turn of the century, will find this volume both informative and evocative of its time.
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PREFACE.
By the overthrow of Mahdism, the great region of Central Africa has been opened to civilisation. From the date of the splendid victory of Omdurman, 2nd September 1898, may be reckoned the creation of a vast Soudan empire. At so early a stage, it is idle to speculate whether the country will be held as a British possession, or as a province of Egypt. "The land of the blacks," and their truculent Arab despoilers, has the intrinsic qualities that secure distinction. Given peace, it may be expected that the mixed negroid races of the Upper Nile will prove themselves as orderly and industrious as they are conspicuously brave. Whoever rules them wisely, will have the control of the best native tribes of the Dark Continent, the raw material of a mighty state. This, too, is foreshadowed; the dominant power in Central Northern Africa, if no farther afield, will have its capital in Khartoum, "Ethiopia will soon stretch out her hands unto God."
The recent events which have so altered the condition of affairs upon the Upper Nile, deserve more than ephemeral record. A campaign so full of inspiriting incident, a victory which has brought presage of a great and prosperous Soudan, merits re-telling. Through half a score of battles or more, from the beginning to the death of Mahdism, I have followed British and Egyptian troops into action against the dervishes. I knew General Hicks, and had the luck to miss accompanying his ill-fated expedition. In the present volume, "Khartoum Campaign," the narrative of the reconquest is completed, the history being carried to the occupation of Fashoda and Sobat, including the withdrawal of Major Marchand's French mission. I have made use of my telegrams and letters to the Daily Telegraph, London, and the full notes I made from day to day during the campaign. Besides, I have quoted in certain cases from official sources, and given extracts from verbal and written communications made to me by distinguished officers engaged in the operations.
For use of maps, sketches, and photographs, I am indebted to the proprietors of the Daily Telegraph, to Mr Ross of Black and White, Surgeon-General William Taylor, Colonel Frank Rhodes, Lieutenant E. D. Loch, Grenadier Guards, Mr Francis Gregson, Mr Munro of Dingwall, N.B., and others.
BENNET BURLEIGH.
LONDON, December 1898.
CONTENTS.
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