Battle of Dufile explained

Conflict:Battle of Dufile
Partof:the Mahdist War
Date:28 November 1888
Place:Dufile, Uganda
Result:Egyptian victory
Combatant1: Egypt
Combatant2: Mahdist State
Commander1:Selim Bey
Commander2:Umar Sālih
Strength1:1,200
Strength2:1,400
Casualties1:Unknown
Casualties2:210-250 killed

The Battle of Dufile was fought at the fort of Dufile, Uganda on 28 November 1888 between Mahdist forces and a garrison loyal to the Khedive of Egypt. This followed a three-day siege in which the fort was penetrated and members of steamer crews were killed in the harbour. The 1,200 garrison troops were led by Selim Bey while 1,400 Mahdists were led by Umar Sālih. Between 210 and 250 Mahdists were killed and they and retreated from the area for a period.

Before the siege began, news of the approach of the Mahdists allowed the concentration of troops from other garrisons at Dufile. On November 17, Selim Bey moved women and children to safety at Wadelai along with Emin Pasha and A.J. Mounteney Jephson, who had been confined at Dufile by a mutinous garrison since August 1888. Emin's departure by steamer for Wadelai that day was saluted by the playing of the Khedivial hymn and the firing of the fort's guns to acknowledge his restoration as the Khedive's Governor of Equatoria.[1]

The bulk of the garrison who survived the battle were taken by Frederick Lugard to Kampala Hill, after Emin had abandoned them, following the entreaties of Henry Morton Stanley. Shortly after they arrived there in December 1891, they participated in the Battle of Kampala Hill.[2]

References

Notes and References

  1. Book: Jephson, A.J. Mounteney. Emin Pasha and the Rebellion at the Equator. August 1890. Sampson Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington Ltd., London.
  2. Oliver. Roland. Some Factors in the British Occupation of East Africa, 1884-1894. Uganda Journal. March 1951. 15. 1. 49–64.