LATEST. WAR NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2635, 16 September 1882, Page 3

LATEST. WAR NEWS.

CRUSHING DEFEAT OF THE ENEMY. OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. FULL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF TEL-EL-KEBIH. GREAT CAPTURE OF WAR MATERIAL E3CAPE OF ARAB!. CONTINUED PURSUIT. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COPYRIGHT. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.} Received September 16th, noon. LONDON, September 13, Evening. An official despatch from Sir Garnet Wolseley to the Government regarding the victory over the Egyptians at Tel-el-Kebir has been received. The following is a digest of the communication : —The enemy’s force consisted of 20,000 regnlars, 6100 Bedouins, and seventy gnns. The British attacking force comprised 11,000 infantry, 2000 cavalry, and several brigades of artillery, with sixty gnns, and included in the first division all the Highland regiments, the Naval Brigade, and tha Indian contingent. In consequence of the known strength of the enemy’s entrenched position, it was decided that the assault should bo made in darkness. Th* British troops accordingly left the ground on which they had bivouacked for the night, and a general attack commenced before daybreak. The bulk of the cavalry advanced first, with the object of turning the enemy’s lines. This movement was completely successful, and as at the same time a strong force threatened the rear of Tel-el-Kebir, an attack along the whole line followed. The charge of the infantry and cavalry was resistless, and the Egyptians made no stand against it. The British troops fought splendidly, and the greatest emulation was shown by the various regiments in carrying the enemy’s position. Thousands of Egyptians throw down their arms, and fled to the Egyptian and Bedouin camps and earthworks. Several trains and an immense quantity of stores and war material and many guns fell into the hands of the British, and the enemy’s positions were completely carried. Sir Garnet warmly eulogises the conduct of the officers and men of the British army. The despatch also reports that MajorGeneral Willis, commanding the first division, was slightly wounded during the engagement. Arahi escaped from Tel-el-Kebir on horseback, and was last seen proceeding towards Zakazik. The British Cavalry have resumed their advance, and are now marching on Belbes. The Indian contingent is marching on Zakazik, and the Highland Regiments • ill follow in the evening. SUEZ, September 15. Received September 16th, 12.30 p.m. Intelligence is to hand that the Indian regiments reached Zakazik late on Wednesday night. No opposition was met with, and the attitude of the Governor and people is submissive. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COPYRIGHT. [“ Argus ” Special, per United Press Association.] Received September 16tb, 12.35 p.m. LONDON, September 13, 6.45 p.m. Sir Garnet Wolseley, in his official despatch, states that Tel-el-Kebir was defended by 20,000 regular Egyptian troops and 6000 Bedouins ; their artillery amounted to seventy guns. The British attacking force consisted of 11,000 bayonets and 2000 sabres, with sixty guns, Major-Gen. G. Graham, Y. 0., 0.8., R.E., commanding. The Second Brigade led the attack on Arabi’s left, supported by the First Brigade. The Guards were commanded by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught. The Highland Brigade and the Indian contingent attacked the enemy on the south side of the Freshwater Canal. There was great emulation among the various regiments engaged The second battalion of the 18 th Royal Irish and the first battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, who were both included in the second division, particularly distinguished themselves by their dashing conduct. Lieutenant-General H. S. Willis, C. 8., of the first division, was slightly wounded during the engagement. The Cavalry, under Major-General Drnry Lowe, are now advancing on Belbes, and the Indian contingent, under MajorGeneral McPherson, are advancing on Zakazik.

Arabi escaped from Tel-el-Kobir on horseback in the direction of Zakazik. Several trains on the railway, which our troops failed to destroy, were laden with fugitives, who were, however, captured, and our cavalry completely outflanked the enemy before the attack in front commenced. The assault on and capture of Tel-el-Kebir only lasted thirty minutes. Three thousand prisoners were taken. Lake Mareotis is now completely flooded.