Sudan Expedition 1898
Production date
1898
Description
Reports, letters and cuttings regarding the National Society's work during the Sudan Expedition.
Collection Type
Archives
Level of Current Record
sub-fonds
History
Although Sudan was left to Mahdi rule after the defeat of General Gordon, the British fearing French colonial expansion and the desire to keep the route to India open agreed to help the Egyptian forces to re-conquer Sudan. This aim was realised under Major-General Sir Herbert Kitchener (Later Lord Kitchener) at the Battle of Omdurman bringing Sudan under joint British and Egyptian control.
At the beginning of the expedition in June the National Society offered its assistance, which was initially refused. Nevertheless, when assistance was offered again in August it was accepted and the National Society sent Colonel J.S. Young to Cairo. The National Society chartered the ‘Mayflower’ and converted it into a hospital and transport ship sailing between Cairo and Assouan under Major Cowen. In addition to nursing staff provided by the National Society there were also officers and men from the Army Medical Service, the first time the National Society and the Army had worked together in one unit.
At the beginning of the expedition in June the National Society offered its assistance, which was initially refused. Nevertheless, when assistance was offered again in August it was accepted and the National Society sent Colonel J.S. Young to Cairo. The National Society chartered the ‘Mayflower’ and converted it into a hospital and transport ship sailing between Cairo and Assouan under Major Cowen. In addition to nursing staff provided by the National Society there were also officers and men from the Army Medical Service, the first time the National Society and the Army had worked together in one unit.
Catalogue Number
WAN/13