BAKER PASHA’S DEFEAT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1153, 18 March 1884, Page 3

BAKER PASHA’S DEFEAT.

Despatches received in London on Feb. sth describe a serious defeat sustained by Baker Pasha near Tokar. He had with him three thousand men, and was advancing when attacked. His losses in killed and wounded amounted to 2000. The Turks and Europeans fought well, but the Egyptians showed themselves arrant cowards. Most of the officers and men bolted. Colonel Sartorious tried hard to rally them, but without success, The enemy pursued them into Trinkitat, and Europeans, native, and Turkish infantry were cut to pieces. Fourteen European and three native officers are missing. The fight began by a few Arab horsemen attacking Baker Pasha’s cavalry, which flad, Baker Pasha then formed a square, which the enemy surrounded. The rest of the Egyptians then fled in confusion, and the gunners) deserted their guns. Baker Pasha was several times surrounded by the enemy, but with his staff, managed to cut his way through. The enemy’s force was inferior in numbers to Baker Pasha’s. Only three sides of a square were formed, owing to the fact that two companies of Egyptian troops stood still, overcome with fright. The enemy poured into the gap, when the Egyptians threw themselves on the ground, screaming for mercy. The troops on one side of the square killed many of their own men by wild firing. The enemy betrayed profound contempt for their opponents. Baker Pasha returned at once to Souakim with the remainder of the force. On receipt of the news, the Admiralty issued telegraphic orders stopping the troopships on their way to India, Published correspondence and later advices from the scene of action state that the slaughter of Baker Pasha’s forces continued all the Avay back from Trinkitat. The Egyptians appealed to the Arabs, but the latter seized them by the neck, thrust spears into their backs and ruthlessly cut their throats. The Englishmen missing a' j:— Maurice Bee, Surgeon ; Leslie, Captain ; Foster and Walker, Lieutenants ; Carrol, Smith and Wilkins. Ten foreign officers are missing. In the fight, the Egyptian cavalry threw away their saddles and turned their horses loose, effecting a retreat on foot, in order that they might not be sent back again. The scene at Souakim is described as painful, the wives of many of the dead soldiers bewailing their lost, and tearing their hair and their clothes in anguish. A force of marines has been sent to Souakim, which greatly reassured the populace, but a strict loekout is kept for treachery on the part of the Egyptian forces, who refused duty. The belief in El Mahdi is increasing. It is estimated that 600 rebels were killed in the fight, while the losses on the Egyptian side were 2250. The Khedive sent a message of sympathy to Baker Pasha.