THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2398, 9 May 1884, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

THE BATTLE OF TAMASI. Some interesting particulars of the battle of Tamasi (or Tamaneb), fought on March 13, and an account of which we published yesterday, remain to be told. They bring into still clearer relief the desperate nature of the struggle, and gallantry of the British troops engaged in the battle with the forces of Osman Dignah, the Arab rebels being routed with great slaughter:— Many acts of heroism occurred while the Black Watch were retiring. They rushed at an Arab, who was slaughtering right and left, and bayonetted him so violently that the point of the rifle entered the savage’s body, compelling the soldiers to draw the wounded man some distance before they extricated the weapon. Of 20 Highlanders who went into the first charge but three escaped alive, and they were badly wounded. Adams, one of the finest and strongest men of the Black Watch, with Colour-sergeant Fraser, boldly charged into a nullah, where fresh hordes of Arabs were concealed. Unable to re-load, they fought with bayonets so desperately that eight savages bit the dust before the gallant Highlanders were overpowered. Private Drummond, another Highlander, whilst bayonetting an Arab, was cut over his head by a horseman on a grey charger with a huge cross-hilted sword. Drummond’s helmet, however, saved him, and he drove his weapon through his assailant. Whilst he was trying to withdraw his bayonet, another Arab rushed at him, but was shot. Kelly, a comrade of Drummond’s, was instantly killed. Drummond received three wounds. It has since transpired that the man on the grey charger was Sheikh Mahomed, Osman’s cousin, and the commander in this battle.

The York and Lancaster regiments were attacked with only less ferocity than the Highlanders had been, and they lost 30 killed. Major Dalgety had his left forearm nearly severed by a two-handed sword. Surgeon-major Prendergast while bending over a wounded soldier to give him assistance, had a spear driven, through his hack with fearful force. Major MacDonald, of the Highland Light Infantry, Sir Evelyn Baring’s attache, was a }so wounded.

Many non-combatants were compelled to defend their lives, the war correspondents fighting bravely. Mr St. Leger Herbert, one the Times correspondents, while galloping with a message for General Smart, was severely wounded in one thigh, but, notwithstanding the injury, wrote a full description of the battle. General Stewart’s aide-de.canip was giving water to a wounded rebel, when the sava«e attempted to stab his benefactor. Meanwhile General Buller’s brigade received a fuiious assault; but it had been kept well in hand, and its formation was perfect; and a withering fire poured out on all sides and prevented the rebels from approaching. Flanking the assailants of Davis’ brigade they materially assisted the broken squadron to reform, General Stewart who commanded the cavalry, seeing she difficulty in which Davis’ brigade was, directed Colonel Wood, of the 10th Hussars, to charge the Arabs, but only to close if it should be found necessary, as the broken nature of the ground rendered a cavalry charge an operation of extreme peril. The cavalry swept on from the left, approaching the swarming foe upon its right flank. There was not a cloud in the sky. The sabres, nearly 700 in number, flashed in a line. Branching to the right the enemy paused, standing singly or in little groups, like deer startled bp sportsmen. Once, twice, thrice, they looked about them, and they started again. Then the sight became too terrible, and they began to retreat. With admirable judgment, Colonel Wood interpreted his orders aright. He immediately sounded a halt, dismounted his men, and pierced the wavering savages with carbine fire. General Buller’s Brigade at the same time poured in a hot flanking fire. Then the infantry of the Second Brigade had time to rally, and the fight was practically won. The infantry, relieved of the pressure of the hordes on their front, with glad cheers ..v.vpt i forward, capturing and- killing every |

Arab who remained in the valley. Bullet’s brigade took possesasion of Tamasi, burning the Arab camp. The cavalry swept the country for several miles, the Arabs slowly and suddenly retreating, but without evincing any panic. ° J