History of the
Sudan Campaign
1884-1885

Book Review:

Review by Richard Brooks


I finished reading Colvile's History of the Sudan Campaign 1884-1885. A reprint by Articles of War, 8806 Bronx Ave. Skokie, IL 60077-1896. My overall impression is "I'm glad I do this in miniature and not for real." This book is worth having in your library for the amazing colonial detail it provides. If you thought running a campaign in miniature was a big chore 'you ain't seen nothin yet.'

The book is divided into two parts. Part one contains five chapters and 38 informational appendices.

Chapter I, briefly discusses the topography of the Sudan and a detailed history up to 1883, the defeat of Hicks Pasha and the effects of his defeat.

Chapter II brings us to the beginning of the relief expedition and covers, Baker, Graham the Madhi's growing power base and the latest intelligence report to September 1884.

Chapter III details the organization of the expedition with lots of explanation for choosing what they did in way of equipment, covering ammunition to distribution of mail. Chapter IV covers the battle of Korti to the end of October and includes the composition of forces, stores, drills, and distribution of troops.

The final chapter of part I brings us to the departure of the column for Khartoum and covers the situation in November and December 1884.

The 38 appendices covers the period with reports, returns, schemes, lists and distribution of the British and Egyptian troops on 1 January 1885.

Part II contains the final nine chapters and the remaining 24 appendices. The battle Abu Klea and the attack on Metemmeh are in Chapter V on the Desert Column. The events of the last week in January through 16 March 1885 are contained in the following chapter on the Desert Column.

Chapters IX and X are concerned with the departure of the River Column during the same period. Chapters XI and XII concern themselves with the affairs in Dongala, the preparation for a fall campaign and the evacuation of the Sudan.

The final two chapters detail the Suakin Expedition, composition of the Indian Brigade, tactics of the enemy, Tofrik, Tamai, the death of the Mahdi and the Battle of Ginnis. The Appendices cover reports, dispatches and all the great details for a campaign.

There are two map sheets - one pull-out and one in pocket, these contain five maps of the campaign. The only criticism I have for the reprint is why didn't you print the other maps?? Otherwise this was a good read, full of great ideas for campaigns, battles and the colonial period in general.

If you have any interest in the Sudan campaigns this is for you.

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© Copyright 1996 by Richard Brooks.

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