THE RELIEF OF SUAKIN.

Evening Star, Issue 7799, 21 December 1888, Page 2

THE RELIEF OF SUAKIN.

Bt Elroteio Telegraph. Copyright

[Peb Press Association.]

CRUSHING DEFEAT OF OSMAN.

A GALLANT SORTIE.

SUAKIN, DEqEMBER 20.

(Received December 21,1888, at 18.20 p.m.)

An engagement between the British and Egyptian forces and the rebels under Osman Digna took place to-day. At an early hour this morning Major-general Grenfell, at the head of four thousand men, left the garrison and stormed the rebel redoubts. The battle commenced at seven o'clock, lasting half an hour. The enemy were completely defeated, leaving over 1,000 killed upon the field. The Soudanese and black troops gallantly stormed the Arab trenches, despite the strong resistance of Osman's forces. The Wales Borderers followed up the attack on the trenches, and inflicted severe punishment on the enemy by their volley firing. The blue jackets from the British men-of-war in harbor also rendered valuable assistance with their machine and heavy guns. Osman's defeat is complete, and his ranks are fleeing in the direction of Hassen and Tamai.

The British loss is slight. No English officers were killed, or even wounded. Major-general Grenfell's force now occupy the field, and will encamp among the rebel works to-night.