SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 338, 8 September 1898, Page 2

SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

BATTLE OF EGE GA .

THE DEATH ROLL

FURTHER PARTICULARS,

(by eleectric TELEGRAPH— COPYRIGHT.) Cairo, September 6. The death roll at the battle of Egega was:—

Killed: Three officers and fortythree privates'. Wounded: Twentyone officers and three hundred and twelve privates. Of these the British brigade had 26 privates aud two officers killed, and seven officers and 91 men wounded.

Six English officers of the Egyptian Brigade were waunded. Colonel Rhodes received a severe, bullet wound in the shoulder. Further accounts of the battle at Omdurman state that the Dervishes made repeated and desperate attempts to outflank the British and Egyptians, but failed, being unable to close their ranks.

Failing in these efforts, they fiercely attacked the centre, where the First Warwickshires and the First Cameron Highlanders, the First Seaforth Highlanders and the Soudanese were stationed.

A great force of horsemen charged heroically, the flagmen and emirs penetrating to within a few hundred yards of General Kitchener's troops, who were partly sheltered by zarebas in an entrenched position. It was impossible for the Dervishes to face the continuous hail of bullets, and they were almost annihilated. The horsemen at length broke their lines and fled, leaving the field covered with corpses.

The emirs rallied round the Khalifa's black standard, which, however, was subsequently captured. When General Kitchener's force advanced, a division of Egyptian troops on the right wing became detached from the main body. The Khalifa immediately hurled 12,000 troops upon them, and made a supreme effort to cut them off. The division was in a perilous position for some time, and lost a gun, which, however, they brilliantly recaptured. The Egyptians fought steadily and with conspicuous gallantry. The Khalifa, with 150 fighting men, is apparently making for Kordofan. The filth and stench at Omdurman are unbearable. The place is full of women. The whole Dervish army has surrendered. The cavalry pursued the Khalifa for 30 miles and then abandoned the chase, the horses baing exhausted. Arabs on camels continued the pursuit. An impressive service was held on the steps of Gordon's Palace at Khartoum, the Sirdar being present. The Egyptian flag was hoisted and saluted. The British National Anthem was sung and cheers given for the Queen and Khedive. The Dervishes killed hundreds of beasts at Omdurman before retreating. The natives of El Obeid have informed General Kitchener that the natives of Kordofan are not likely to receive.the defeated Khalifa, and that he will probably be slain by hostile tribesmen.

After the Dervishes had withdrawn from the main attack the Sirdar's Soudanese cleared the advance, slaughtering the wounded Arabs to prevent treachery. " The Dead March " was played in memory of Gordon. Though in complete ruins Khartoum was found a preferable camping place for the British-Egyptian troops, Omdurman baing mainly a collection of filthy huts.

London, September 6. When the news of the victory arrived crowds assembled at Gordon monument in Trafalgar Square, cheering.

The Freedom of the city of London has been conferred on General Kitchener.

The Continental newspapers acknowledge the brilliant and decisive victory.

French journals express a fear that the British will make a further advance.

Melbourne, September 6

A small detachment of the permanent naval force marched to the Gordon statue and placed a wreath upon it to celebrate the fall of Omdur* man.

(BY TELEGEAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION) Wellington', Tuesday.

Mrs Parker, of Waimate, who is a sister of Sir Herbert Kitchener, Sirdar of the Egyptian Army, is at present stay* ing iu Wellington, and is the recipient of many congratulations on the brilliant victory wirch her brother has just gained in the Soudan.