[103] A letter from the Mahdi states that all these fell into his hands.
[104] This is sometimes called New Dongola, and is not to be confused with Old Dongola, some 60 or 70 miles further south, on the east bank.
[105] This was the notorious Oliver Pain.
[106] The prize, after a keen competition, was won by the Royal Irish Regiment, the Royal Highlanders coming in second, and the West Kent third.
[107] The appointment of Lord Charles Beresford was perhaps justly regarded as a piece of favouritism. Commander Hammill, who had for months been engaged in the preliminary work on the Nile, and whose services in passing the steamers through the cataracts have been already referred to, was passed over.
[108] The last whaler with troops did not arrive till 7th February, 1885.
[109] There was something anomalous in placing heavy cavalry in an infantry square, a formation altogether contrary to the spirit of their training and traditions. Notwithstanding this, the behaviour of the force in the mêlée which ensued, and the steadiness which enabled the square to be re-formed under circumstances which rendered disaster possible, were worthy of the finest traditions of the British Army.
[110] The screw guns of the Royal Artillery did immense service, especially against the enemy's horsemen, three shrapnels going in their midst, and again when a renewed attack was threatened from the enemy's left. The shells caused utter demoralization. Altogether the battery fired thirty-eight shrapnels, nineteen common shell and six case.
[111] Died of his wounds subsequently.
[112] Over a hundred camels with their loads were lost in this way.