WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1295, 27 January 1885, Page 1

WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, Jan. 22. An official telegram from General Wolseley states that on Saturday last the British column under Co’mvd Stewart inflicted a complete defeat on 10,000 Mahdi-ites occupying a position at Abukla Wells, between Gakdul and Metemneh. The country is very rocky and rugged, Colonel Stewart, leaving the camels and baggage at the cam;), advanced in a square, the • whole fo r co beng on foot. fie out-flunked the enemy, who charged bravely, in splen 'id lines with banners waving, under a withering fire, and managed to penetrate the left of the square. '! b" British weie admirably steady, and maintained a hand to hand fight with tin* rebels, who at length Were driven off compl tidy defeated, leaving 800 dead and 400 or 500 wounded on the field. The Arabs having formed a square, were charged by the marine o , who killed every Arab composing the square. Great, tactical skill and bravery were shown by the Arabs. Among those killed was the Emir of El Metemneh, and the Em'T of Berber received a wound from a spear thrust. The British loss was found to he cine officers killed, including Colonel Burnaby; nine wounded, including Captains Viscount St. Vincent and Earl Airiie.; 65 men killed and 85 wounded. A Gatling gun was also disabled. The sailors in their charge on the square lost two officers. Colonel Stewart had a horse killed under, him. He believes that his victory will dishearten the enemy, and that in fu ure fighting will be less obstinate on their part. Latest intelligence states that the English were enticed into a difficult position, when the Arabs charged the front line, but were repulsed. They then furiously attacked the left rear. At the onset the troops broke, but quickly rallying, the Guards and Light Infantry opened up a murderous fire on the enemy. The enemy have retired to El Meteamel. The rebels under El -Malidi have caplured Ouderman.