Battle of Atbara facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Atbara
Part of the Mahdist War
Date 8 April 1898 Location Confluence of the Nile and Atbara rivers, Sudan Result Anglo-Egyptian victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom Egypt	Mahdist State
Commanders and leaders
Horatio Herbert Kitchener	Mahmud Ahmad (POW) Osman Digna
Strength
14,000 troops	12,000 infantry 3,000 cavalry
Casualties and losses
26 killed, 99 wounded 57 killed, 386 wounded	3,000 killed and wounded 2,000 captured

The Battle of Atbara was a major fight during the Mahdist War in Sudan. This war was a long conflict between the British and Egyptian forces and the Mahdist State. On April 8, 1898, British and Egyptian soldiers fought against Mahdist warriors near the River Atbara. This battle was a big win for the British and Egyptians. It helped them take back control of Sudan.

The defeated Emir Mahmud with the British Director of Military Intelligence Francis Wingate after the battle.

Why the Battle Happened

By 1898, the British and Egyptian armies were moving deeper into Sudan. Their goal was to regain control of the country. The leader of the Mahdist State, Khalifa Abdallahi ibn Muhammad, knew they were coming. He ordered one of his top commanders, Emir Mahmud Ahmad, to stop them.

Mahmud Ahmad led his army of about 10,000 warriors north. They marched towards where the Nile and Atbara River meet. This was a key location to block the British and Egyptian advance. The British and Egyptian army was led by Herbert Kitchener.

Setting the Stage for Battle

By March 20, Mahmud Ahmad's forces, including warriors led by Osman Digna, set up camp. They were on the banks of the Atbara River. Their camp was about 20 miles (32 km) from a British outpost called Fort Atbara. This fort was located where the Atbara River joins the Nile.

Kitchener waited to see if the Mahdists would attack first. When they didn't, he decided to make a move. On April 4, Kitchener quietly moved his army forward. They advanced towards the Mahdist camp, which was fortified. The camp was just outside a town called Nakheila.

The Attack Begins

The attack started early in the morning on April 8, 1898, at 6:20 AM. Three main groups of soldiers led the charge. The British Brigade was led by William Gatacre. Two brigades from the Egyptian Division were led by Archibald Hunter.

First, there was a short artillery bombardment. This meant cannons fired shells into the Mahdist camp. After this, the British and Egyptian soldiers rushed forward. They quickly entered the Mahdist camp.

Fighting and Victory

Inside the camp, the fighting was very close. Soldiers often fought hand-to-hand with the Mahdist warriors. The battle was intense but short. After only 45 minutes, it was over.

Osman Digna managed to escape with a few thousand warriors. They retreated to the south. However, most of the remaining Mahdist soldiers were either killed or captured. Emir Mahmud Ahmad himself was captured by loyal Sudanese troops. These troops were part of the Egyptian Brigade.

The Battle of Atbara was a clear victory for the British and Egyptian forces. It was an important step in their campaign to take back Sudan.

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