Battle of Tofrek
Encyclopedia
The Battle of Tofrek was fought between the British forces under the leadership of General Gerald Graham
and General John McNeil, against the Mahdist forces led by Osman Digna
in the deserts of eastern Sudan
.
and an Indian Contingent(comprising the Madras Sappers, the 17th Infantry
and a few others), marched eight miles towards Tamai, Sudan to build three zaribas (i.e. "fortified bases"). While still unfinished, they were heavily attacked upon by Arabs of the Hadendoa
tribe. After severe fighting enemy were driven off, losing 3000 killed and died of wounds. The Battalion lost 21 killed, 33 wounded.
Gerald Graham
Lieutenant General Sir Gerald Graham, VC GCB GCMG was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Early life:He was born in Acton, Middlesex, and after studying at...
and General John McNeil, against the Mahdist forces led by Osman Digna
Osman Digna
Osman Digna was a follower of the Mahdi in Sudan, and hailed from the Hadendoa tribe of the Beja people. His birthplace is unknown; Suakin was said to be the town where he was born. When he was called Osman Ali, Osman Digna lived in Alexandria, Egypt, where he dealt in the selling of slaves...
in the deserts of eastern Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
.
Details
On 22 March 1885, the 49th Regiment ,1st Royal Berkshire with Royal MarinesRoyal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
and an Indian Contingent(comprising the Madras Sappers, the 17th Infantry
17th Infantry
The 17th Infantry was an infantry regiment of the Bengal Army, later of the united British Indian Army. It was formed at Phillour in 1858 by Major J. C...
and a few others), marched eight miles towards Tamai, Sudan to build three zaribas (i.e. "fortified bases"). While still unfinished, they were heavily attacked upon by Arabs of the Hadendoa
Hadendoa
Hadendoa is the name of a nomadic subdivision of the Beja people. Other Beja tribes include the Bisharin and Ababda. The area inhabited by the Hadendoa is today parts of Sudan, Egypt and Eritrea.-Overview:...
tribe. After severe fighting enemy were driven off, losing 3000 killed and died of wounds. The Battalion lost 21 killed, 33 wounded.