Wombat
23-11-2008, 06:35
ALEXANDRIA. (The Land Battle).
On the 11th June as the bombardment of Alexandria was taking place from the sea, Arabi Pasha’s arrogance had lead to the commencement of a massacre of European civilians on land. Of which the Mediterranean community bore the brunt.
Although the bombardment went well and the shore batteries were silenced, Seymour just didn’t have enough land forces to restore law and order, and the murder, pillage, and slaughter of civilians continued for a further two days.
During This time, Arabi had fallen back on Kafr-ed-Dawr in the south, allowing Admiral Seymour to send a landing party of 450 Marines (including: A. Bruce. GNr. HMS Superb) and 150 seamen, in an effort to restore order. They were assisted by 60 American Marines from a US Frigate (un-named), that had been anchored in the harbour during the bombardment, but had not taken any part in the action.
The US Marines took up position in the Club Building at the corner of Great Square, from where they secured that area until re-enforcements arrived, allowing them to be stood down and return to their ship. They had been constantly on patrol and guard duty in that section for a full week.
It must have been a soldier’s night mare only being able to hold key positions in the city, and having to rely on the fleet for bombardment in the case of attack. The British may have ruled through the day, but the city belonged to the Egyptians at night.
It was here that we first saw the use of the Armoured Train manned by R.M. Artillery. Each day, flanked by Engineers and men of the Naval Division for protection, the train would take a position up the line to help keep Arabi Pasha at a safe distance. It was felt that had he realized the weakness of the British troops in the city, Arabi would have been encouraged to step up his attack.
Arabi’s soldiers were not the rabble that they were made out to be, the majority having served twelve months conscription in the Egyptian Army. Also the architecture of the city with its narrow streets and alley-ways was perfect for ambush by the Egyptian forces that were so familiar with them.
The original plan was for a combined British and French force to be used for the protection of their interests in the Suez Canal, as it was feared that Arabi Pasha had plans to disrupt this vital commerce, and they both got as far as Alexandria weighing anchor together. But for whatever reason, the French had a change of heart and left the British with half the expected force.
When the politicians can’t agree, it’s always the poor Infantry Soldier who has to take up the slack.
Well that’s just my thoughts anyway.
The next stage for the Naval Division was Tel-El-Kebir.
Wombat,
(James).
British Sea Soldiers: Col. C. Field.
Cassell’s War in the Soudan: James Grant.
Medal Pair:
Egypt (2bar). A. Bruce. GNr. HMS Superb.
Khedive Star 1882. Un named as issued.
On the 11th June as the bombardment of Alexandria was taking place from the sea, Arabi Pasha’s arrogance had lead to the commencement of a massacre of European civilians on land. Of which the Mediterranean community bore the brunt.
Although the bombardment went well and the shore batteries were silenced, Seymour just didn’t have enough land forces to restore law and order, and the murder, pillage, and slaughter of civilians continued for a further two days.
During This time, Arabi had fallen back on Kafr-ed-Dawr in the south, allowing Admiral Seymour to send a landing party of 450 Marines (including: A. Bruce. GNr. HMS Superb) and 150 seamen, in an effort to restore order. They were assisted by 60 American Marines from a US Frigate (un-named), that had been anchored in the harbour during the bombardment, but had not taken any part in the action.
The US Marines took up position in the Club Building at the corner of Great Square, from where they secured that area until re-enforcements arrived, allowing them to be stood down and return to their ship. They had been constantly on patrol and guard duty in that section for a full week.
It must have been a soldier’s night mare only being able to hold key positions in the city, and having to rely on the fleet for bombardment in the case of attack. The British may have ruled through the day, but the city belonged to the Egyptians at night.
It was here that we first saw the use of the Armoured Train manned by R.M. Artillery. Each day, flanked by Engineers and men of the Naval Division for protection, the train would take a position up the line to help keep Arabi Pasha at a safe distance. It was felt that had he realized the weakness of the British troops in the city, Arabi would have been encouraged to step up his attack.
Arabi’s soldiers were not the rabble that they were made out to be, the majority having served twelve months conscription in the Egyptian Army. Also the architecture of the city with its narrow streets and alley-ways was perfect for ambush by the Egyptian forces that were so familiar with them.
The original plan was for a combined British and French force to be used for the protection of their interests in the Suez Canal, as it was feared that Arabi Pasha had plans to disrupt this vital commerce, and they both got as far as Alexandria weighing anchor together. But for whatever reason, the French had a change of heart and left the British with half the expected force.
When the politicians can’t agree, it’s always the poor Infantry Soldier who has to take up the slack.
Well that’s just my thoughts anyway.
The next stage for the Naval Division was Tel-El-Kebir.
Wombat,
(James).
British Sea Soldiers: Col. C. Field.
Cassell’s War in the Soudan: James Grant.
Medal Pair:
Egypt (2bar). A. Bruce. GNr. HMS Superb.
Khedive Star 1882. Un named as issued.