Bennet Burleigh
Khartoum Campaign, 1898; or the Re-Conquest of the Soudan
"Khartoum Campaign, 1898; or the Re-Conquest of the Soudan" by Bennet Burleigh is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the pivotal military campaign that gained British forces control over the Sudan, detailing the struggle against the Mahdist forces led by Khalifa Abdullah. It provides insights into the personalities involved, the tactical elements of war, and the socio-political context of the time. The opening of the text sets the stage for describing the aftermath of the Mahdist uprising and the preparation for the reconquest. Burleigh notes the significant victory at Omdurman in September 1898 and describes the previous military failures and advances leading to the campaign. Early chapters delve into the reorganization of the Egyptian military forces under British command, the strategies employed to strengthen them, and the plans for moving against the Khalifa’s stronghold, establishing a narrative that unfolds the complexities of military and political maneuvers in a turbulent region. As such, the opening serves as both a prelude to action and a reflection on the wider implications of the campaign for British colonial interests in Africa.