William Hicks (Indian Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Hicks
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| Born | 1830 |
| Died | 5 November 1883 (aged 53) El Obeid, Khedivate of Egypt |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom / British Empire Khedivate of Egypt |
| Service/ |
British Army Egyptian Army |
| Years of service | 1849 – 1883 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Indian Rebellion of 1857 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War Mahdist War |
Colonel William Hicks, also known as Hicks Pasha, was a British soldier. He was born in 1830 and died on November 5, 1883. He served in the British Army for many years before joining the Egyptian government's military.
Hicks Pasha is best known for his role in the Mahdist War in Sudan. He led an Egyptian army that faced a major defeat. This battle led to his death.
Contents
Early Military Career in India and Abyssinia
William Hicks joined the Bombay Army in 1849. This was part of the British forces in India. He served during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was recognized for his bravery in 1859. This was during a fight at Sitka Ghaut.
In 1861, he became a captain. He also took part in the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia. This expedition was a British military mission. For his actions there, he was promoted to major. He retired from the British Army in 1880. He held the honorary rank of colonel.
Service in Egypt and the Sudan
After the 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War, Hicks joined the Egyptian government's service. He was given the title of Pasha, a high rank. At this time, Egypt controlled Sudan. However, a religious leader named Muhammad Ahmad declared himself the Mahdi. He began to conquer areas in Sudan. This threatened Egypt's control.
In early 1883, Hicks went to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. He became the chief of staff for the Egyptian army there. The army was made up of about 8,000 soldiers. Many of these soldiers were farmers who had been forced into service. Hicks trained them vigorously. He then led 5,000 of his men against a similar number of Mahdist fighters in Sennar. Hicks's forces won this battle. They cleared the area between Sennar and Khartoum of rebels.
The Kordofan Expedition of 1883
After his early success, some Egyptian officials in Khartoum tried to undermine Hicks. He offered to resign in July 1883. As a result, the previous commander was dismissed. Hicks was then made the commander-in-chief. He was ordered to lead an expedition to Kordofan. His mission was to defeat the Mahdi. The Mahdi had captured El Obeid, the capital of Kordofan, in January 1883.
Hicks knew his army was not strong enough for this task. He suggested waiting for the situation in Kordofan to calm down. However, the Egyptian government did not believe the Mahdi was a serious threat. So, the expedition began from Khartoum on September 9.
The March to El Obeid
The expedition included 7,000 infantry soldiers. There were also 1,000 cavalry and 2,000 camp followers. Thirteen Europeans were also part of the group. On September 10, the force left the Nile River at Duem. They marched inland across the dry lands of Kordofan. Their goal was El Obeid.
The Battle of El Obeid
On November 5, the army faced a disaster. Their guides may have led them astray. The army was ambushed in a thick forest at Kashgil. This location was about 30 miles south of El Obeid. The soldiers were also suffering from thirst.
The Mahdist forces attacked them fiercely. Only about 300 of Hicks's men survived the battle. This event is known as the Battle of El Obeid. According to one survivor, Hicks's cook, General Hicks was the last officer to fall. He was killed by a spear. His head was then taken to the Mahdi.
Cultural Depictions
William Hicks was portrayed in the 1966 film Khartoum. The actor Edward Underdown played his role.
