The RMLI in the Sudan - The Final Battles

Before the Sudan was finally abandoned, the R.M.L.I. fought two more fierce battles against the Dervishes near Suakin.

On 20th March they stormed the enemy hills of Hasheen with the Berkshire Regiment in what was described as, 'making it look like a race between the two Corps to reach some hillocks on the right of the ridge'.

1885 The Suakin Expedition. The Battle of Hasheen, Sudan. 2nd Scots Guards in action. [Thomas Strong Seccombe. Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.]

Lieutenant F.G. Cotter described the wild Dervish attack: 'While thus employed we were all suddenly startled by a roaring noise just like the sea would make in a squall. A cry of "They're

upon us" and "Stand to your arms" was raised.

The Cavalry scouts came galloping in immediately followed by a mass of Arabs.' Quickly reforming, they rallied and drove off the enemy with heavy losses. This column was harried all the way back to Suakin, another officer remembering how "They never think of turning but come right on till killed'.

With the end of the campaign the Sudan was left in the grip of the Mahdi's successors, for he had died at the end of the year, but his followers made his tomb the centre of their faith and continued to attack, at intervals, the Egyptians and other neighbours.

Thirteen years were to pass, however, before these savage tribes were to face the final reckoning.

It was during the Sudanese campaign that the men of the R.M.L.I. became familiar with the 'ships of the desert'. Alexander Macdonald gave the first verse of a song composed by the Marines poet, one Sergeant Eagles, which was sung around the campfires at Wadi Halfa:

'When years ago I listed, Lads, To serve our Gracious Queen,

The sergeant made me understand, I was a Royal Marine,

He said sometimes they served in ships, and sometimes served

on shore,

But never said I should wear spurs, and be in the Camel Corps,

I've rode in a ship, I've rode in a boat,

I've rode in a railway train,

I've rode in a coach and I've rode a moke,

And hope to ride one again;

But I'm riding now an animal, A Marine never rode before,

Rigg'd up in spurs and pantaloons, as one of the Camel Corps'.

And they really were issued with spurs.

Related Royal Marines 'Dits'

• Royal Marines Camel Corps - Battle of Abu Klea

• Battle of Tamai - Sudan

• Battle of Tofrek - Suakin Campaign - Sudan

Coming Soon:

The Nile Expedition for the Relief of Gordon

References/ Further Reading:

1. Per Mare Per Terram - Peter C. Smith