Omdurman 1898: Kitchener's Victory in the Sudan

The Battle of Omdurman was one of the greatest and bloodiest battles ever fought on African soil, some estimates put the casualties to 40 000 dead and wounded - almost all of them being ansar of the Mahadiyya, whereas the British and Egyptian-Sudanese had only 48 dead. This battle saw a largely tribal army of warriors, despite all their heroic courage, being defeated by a modern army with superiour firepower from quick-firing artillery, machine-guns and repeating rifles, but also an old-fashioned cavalry charge with lance and sword of the 21st lancers. Donald Featherstone's book is a fascinating account not only of the battle of Omdurman, but also of the entire re-conquest of the Sudan including the battles of Firket, Aby Hamed, Atbara and Umm Diwaykarat. There are numerous good maps and illustrations. Perhaps most interesting are the set of photographs actually shot during the battle, showing the anglo-egyptian army manouvering and firing volleys at the opponents. Very rare and really unique photographs of an authentic 19th century battle! Unfortunatley though there are no artist's illustration as in later Osprey-books, but the photographs and other illustrations make up that. This was the first Osprey-book I bought, and it still remains one of my favourites among the more than 50 books I own today. Highly recommended!