Suakin Expedition

The Suakin Expedition refers to two military expeditions led by Major-General Sir Gerald Graham V.C. to Suakin in Sudan with the intention of destroying the power of Osman Digna, the first in February 1884 and the second in March 1885.

The first expedition, in February 1884, led to several notable British victories (the Second Battle of El Teb and the Battle of Tamai).

Following the fall of Khartoum, Graham led a second expedition in March 1885. This expedition is sometimes referred to as the Suakin Field Force. Its purpose was two-fold: (i) To clear Mahdist forces under Osman Digna from the region, and (ii) To supervise and protect the construction of the Suakin-Berber Railway. A week after its arrival in Suakin, the expedition fought in two actions: the Battle of Hashin or Hasheen on 20 March and the Battle of Tofrek on 22 March. Both actions were successful insofar as they defeated the enemy forces; however they made no strategic gains.

Within two months, the Gladstone government decided to abandon both the railway and its military campaign in Sudan. General Graham and his Suakin Field Force were evacuated from the port city on 17 May 1885.

Nevertheless, Britain maintained an ongoing presence in Suakin where between 1886 and 1888 the then brevet Lt. Col. Herbert Kitchener acted out the role of Governor General of Eastern Sudan.

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