List of journalists killed during the Mahdist War facts for kids
During the Mahdist War (1881-1899) in Sudan, many brave journalists traveled to report on the events. This is a list of some of the reporters who sadly lost their lives while covering this important conflict. Around 30 war correspondents reported on the war between 1883 and 1885. A special memorial for seven of these journalists is located in St Paul's Cathedral in London. This memorial was the first of its kind, honoring journalists killed in war. Another journalist was killed in 1898 during one of the last battles of the war.
Contents
Journalists Killed in 1883
Edmund O'Donovan: A Reporter's Fate
- Edmund O'Donovan worked for The Daily News. He was killed between November 3 and 5, 1883. This happened during the Battle of El Obeid. He died along with General William Hicks and other Europeans.
Frank Vizetelly: An Artist's Last Assignment
- Frank Vizetelly was an illustrator for The Graphic. He also died at Kashgil during the Battle of El Obeid. This was between November 3 and 5, 1883. Before this, he drew scenes during the US Civil War. He covered both the North and South camps. At first, people thought he was the only survivor and a prisoner. Later, it was confirmed he had died. Vizetelly was not with General Hicks' group. He was outside their formation when he was killed.
Journalists Killed in 1884
Frank Power: A Dangerous Journey
- Frank Power reported for The Times. He was an Irish artist. Power was one of the few Europeans who survived the Battle of El Obeid in November 1883. He had been sick with dysentery and was not with the main forces. He managed to escape by boat.
Power was killed almost a year later in September 1884. He was with a group led by Colonel Stewart. They were trying to get through a blockade. Power wanted to reach a place where he could send his report to The Times. However, their steamer boat got stuck. The group was then attacked, and Power was killed.
Journalists Killed in 1885
Korti: A Thirsty End
- Captain William Henry Gordon was a correspondent for The Manchester Guardian. He went missing on January 16, 1885. He later died of thirst while traveling in the desert near Korti.
Metammeh: Battle and Loss
A battle took place at Metammeh after the British set up a base at Korti. This happened after the Battle of Abu Klea. Two journalists were killed here. Other war correspondents were injured but survived. These included Bennet Burleigh, Harry Pearse, and Frederic Villiers.
- St. Leger Herbert (born August 16, 1850 – died January 19, 1885) worked for The Morning Post. This Canadian-born journalist was killed in battle at Metammeh. He was covering the actions of Major General Herbert Stewart. General Stewart himself was wounded on the same day. Two days earlier, Herbert had reported on the deadly Battle of Abu Klea. Herbert was a military veteran. He had received awards for his service at the Battle of Tel el-Kebir in Egypt in 1882.
- John Alexander Cameron reported for Standard. He was killed on January 19, 1885, along with St. Leger Herbert. Cameron was also an experienced war correspondent. He had reported on the Battle of Majuba Hill during the First Boer War (1880–1881).
Suakin: Reuters' First Loss
- Frank J.L. Roberts (Frank John Roberts) worked for Reuters. He was killed at Suakin on May 15, 1885. Roberts was the first Reuters journalist to die while reporting on a conflict.
Journalists Killed in 1898
Hubert Howard: Close Call for a Commander
- Hubert Howard was a war correspondent for The Times. He was killed during the Battle of Omdurman on September 2, 1898. He died from a shell fired by a gunboat. The shell just missed Herbert Kitchener, who was the commander of British forces during the battle.
St Paul's Cathedral: A Lasting Tribute
A special ceremony was held on June 10, 1888, at St Paul's Cathedral. It was to remember the journalists who died during the three years of campaigns in Sudan. A brass tablet was dedicated there. It was designed by Herbert Johnson and lists the names of seven journalists.
