On September 2 1898 The “Mad Mahdi” the Khalifa committed his 52,000 Islamic Saracens (Muslim extremists) to a frontal assault against the Anglo-Allied force, which was massed on the plains outside Omdurman. The outcome was never in doubt, largely because of British firepower. During the five-hour battle, about 11,000 Mahdists died, Anglo Allied losses were 48 dead, 400wounded.

Extract. Sydney Morning Herald February 1885

“If we are correctly informed, Canada has placed 600 of her forces The Royal Canadian Regiment at the service of the Royal Army.”

“A grand opportunity now offered Australia, in loyalty and affection to the Mother Country.

A Regiment of 1,000 strong, and placed at disposal British Forces in the Sudan.

England has now upon her hands two bloody wars.
Firstly. The warlike Saracens (Muslim, Islamic extremists) led by the Mad Mahdi, fighting with savage fanaticism, in the north. (The Sudan War)

Secondly. The hardy Boer, a deadly shot and an excellent soldier.
We are on his soil and we must either exert the supremacy of the English, or yield the country to the Dutch. “ South Africa (The Boer War)

Sudan. The contingent was composed of volunteers
On loaded with all accoutrement etc. arriving on the 29th March and as a mark of courtesy was brigaded with the British Guards.
The NSW infantry battalion of 522 men and 24 officers and an artillery battery of 214 men were ready to sail on 3rd March aboard the troop transports Iberia and Australasian
Accoutrement, horses, guns, logistics for war.
The contingent anchored at Suakin, Soudans Red Sea Port 29th March 1885.

The arrival back in Sydney on the 23rd of June. The value of the unit is not to be measured in the glory it gained, or sentiment expressed; not by what it did, but by what it stood for the value beyond assessment.


There are few folk nowadays who know of the great debt we owe to our gallant horses for helping to shorten and win wars prior to the mechanisation of cavalry units at the outbreak of WW2.

Statistics
The contingent, an infantry battalion of 522 men and 24 0fficers and an artillery battery of 212 men. Sailed on 3rd March 1885 aboard transports Iberia and Australasian arrived Suakin 29thMarch 1885 and attached to the Scots, Grenadiers and Coldstream Guards. During the war there were 9 deaths and 3 wounded.