PARTICULARS OF THE CAPTURE OF OMDURMAN.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 76, 27 September 1898, Page 5

PARTICULARS OF THE CAPTURE OF OMDURMAN.

THE DESPERATE BRAVERY OF THE DERVISHES. [PEE E.M.S. MOANA AT AUCKLAND.] San Fbancisco, 7th September. The capture of Omdurman has been the death-blow to Mahdism. The Anglo-Egyptian Army camped overnight at Agaiza, eight miles from Omdurman. At dawn the Dervishes advanced in battle array, shouting and waving countless banners. Their ranks stretched over the plains for several miles. The bravery of the Dervishes was astounding. They withdrew behind a ridge in front of the camp and hurled themselves 15,000 strong against the Soudanese. Before he could drive back the attack General Kitchener seized a rocky eminence and swung in his reserves. In ten minutes he had the flower of the Khalifa's army caught in a depression under a cross-fire. The Dervishes planted their standards and died beside them. The dense masses melted away till the last remnant broke and fled, and were driven into the desert, their retreat to Omdurman being cut off. The 21st Lancers were caught in an ambush and faced by 2000 swords. Though outnumbered four to one they returned to the charge and recovered their woundedj who were being savagely slaughtered. English papers confidently declare that a treaty of alliance between Britain and Germany has already been signed. It is said that as aquid pro quo for Germany's support in Egypt, Britain will recognise Germany's claim to utilise Syria as an outlet for surplus population.