BATTLE // June 7, 1896
Battle of Ferkeh
Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Battle of Ferkeh marked the first significant military action of the Egyptian reconquest of Sudan under Sir Herbert Kitchener. A Mahdist force of 3,000–4,000 was surprised and routed by a substantially larger Egyptian army, resulting in approximately 1,500 Mahdist casualties. The engagement opened the campaign that would advance south through Sudan over the following two years, culminating in the Battle of Omdurman in September 1898 and the effective end of the Mahdist State. As the campaign's opening action, Ferkeh established early momentum for the reconquest and demonstrated the operational capacity of the Egyptian force under Kitchener's command.
Tactics
The Mahdist force was surprised and routed, but the overview does not describe the specific maneuvers, dispositions, or terrain use through which this outcome was achieved.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Mahdist State3,000–4,000medium
- United Kingdom9,000–9,500medium
United Kingdom fielded a 2.6 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- Mahdist State1,500medium43% loss rate
Commanders (1)
United Kingdom
Herbert Kitchenerfield marshal
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6 sibling battles · 3 factions