The Battle of Suakin (also known as the Battle of Gemaizah) occurred on 20 December 1888 when Francis Grenfell defeated the Mahdi forces near Suakin a chief port of Sudan. After one and a half hours of fighting, the casualties were 12 on the side of the British and Egyptians, and 1,000 on the side of the Arabs.[1] In this 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.[2] From Suakin, a sortie was launched against Osman Digna and his Dervish forces, who were attempting to capture the Water Forts.[3] The Dervishes advanced on Suakin with an intention to invest it. In the ensuing fighting, Osman Digna lost his arm.
References[]
- ↑ Steward, W. Augustus (2008). War Medals and Their History. READ BOOKS. ISBN 1-4086-9712-2.
- ↑ ARMY—THE BATTLE AT SUAKIN—THE BROKEN SWORDS OF THE 20TH HUSSARS. (Hansard, 21 December 1888)
- ↑ Constantius historical artefacts | Egypt 1882-89, Gemeizah 1888, 2/K.O.S.B
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