Battle of Suakin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Suakin
Part of the Mahdist War
Battle of Suakin
Date 20 December 1888 Location Suakin, Eastern Sudan Result Anglo-Egyptian victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom *  India Egypt	Mahdist State
Commanders and leaders
Francis Grenfell	Osman Digna (WIA)
Casualties and losses
12 killed	1,000 killed

The Battle of Suakin happened on December 20, 1888. It was also called the Battle of Gemaizah. This battle was part of the Mahdist War, a big conflict in Sudan.

In this battle, General Francis Grenfell led British and Egyptian forces. They fought against a group called the Mahdists. Europeans sometimes called the Mahdists "Dervishes." The battle took place near Suakin, an important port city in Sudan.

What Happened

The Mahdist forces, led by Osman Digna, wanted to take over Suakin. They tried to surround the city. General Grenfell decided to attack them first. He launched a surprise attack, called a "sortie," from Suakin. The Mahdists were trying to capture the "Water Forts," which were important for the city's water supply.

The Fight

The battle lasted about one and a half hours. It was a tough fight. At the end, the British and Egyptian side had 12 soldiers killed. The Mahdist side had about 1,000 soldiers killed. After this defeat, the Mahdists left the area. This removed the threat to Suakin.

Key People

General Kitchener was also at this battle. He was in charge of an Egyptian Army unit called a "brigade." This brigade was made up of Sudanese troops. This battle was important because it was one of the first times the reformed Egyptian Army fought well. The British had helped train and reorganize this army. Their good performance helped both the Egyptian Army and General Kitchener gain a good reputation.

Awards and Medals

Soldiers from the Egyptian and British forces who fought in the battle received special awards. They got the Egypt Medal with a clasp that said 'Gemaizah 1888'. They also received the Bronze Khedive's Star. These were medals given for their bravery and service.

Forces Involved

Here are some of the British forces that took part in the Battle of Suakin:

• Royal Navy (the British navy)
• 20th Hussars (a cavalry regiment)
• 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers (an infantry regiment)
• 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment (an infantry regiment)
• 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles (an infantry regiment)