Suakin, 1885

Accounts of side-shows of the War in the Sudan

This book contains three accounts of the battles of the Suakin Campaign of 1885 fought against the Mahdist forces of Osman Digna. The first is a personal account of the British Army special service officer who, notwithstanding he was attached to the Transport and Commissariat, was well known for throwing himself into the heart of the conflict, which he rivetingly describes. Of particular note is detail concerning the Australian contingent which fought in these battles. Perry fought during the Battle of Hasheen and at Tofrek (also known as McNeill's Zariba) where he was seriously wounded. The second account is another personal account by an officer of the Indian Army and so focusses on the activities of the Indian Contingent which formed a significant portion of Graham's force. Stewart's account (excerpted from an account of his total military career) is also full of battlefield detail. The final piece in this special Leonaur edition is an extract from the history of the Fifth (Royal Irish) Lancers and has been included because this regiment had served in the Sudan for some time and so their service gives context to the entire campaign. Whilst the lancers served in Suakin in their conventional role as light cavalry, numbers of the regiment had been seconded for service with the Camel Corps which remains fascinating to students of military history. Contains maps, photographs and illustrations which did not accompany the original texts.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.