With Kitchener to Khartum

by G.W. Steevens

Amongst these was an ambitious, adroit officer Herbert Horatio Kitchener. In 1892, following several years distinguished service in Africa, Kitchener became a major-general in charge of the Egyptian army. His reorganisation and training of those forces over the next five years had one aim in the defeat of the Mahdi in the Sudan. In 1897, the author of this work joined Kitchener's troops as a correspondent as they began their first moves towards the 'pacification' of the Sudan. He describes in detail the various military undertakings of that expedition, culminating in a vivid and chilling description of the Battle of Omdurman at which the Mahdi's rule was finally ended.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

326 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1898

About the author

George Warrington Steevens, usually credited as G.W. Steevens, was a British journalist and writer.

As a journalist, he distinguished himself by his clearness of vision and vivid style, and was connected successively with the 'Pall Mall Gazette', which he joined under
the editorship of Mr Henry Custhe in 1893, where he remained for three years whilst also contributing to such as the National Observer and other periodicals. In 1896 he joined the Daily Mail. where he was to become the most famous war correspondent of his time.

He was educated at the City of London School and Balliol College, Oxford. He was elected a fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford, in 1892 and also spent some time at Cambridge where he had his first taste of journalism when he edited a weekly periodical.

His first important contribution to literature
was his 'Monologues of the Dead' (1896) and this was followed by a series of important books over the following four years. 'Naval Policy' (1896), 'The Land of the Dollar' (1897), 'With Kitchener to Khartoum' (1898), 'Egypt' (1898), 'In India' (1899) and 'Dreyfus' (1899). He also had a couple of books published posthumously.

He died during the Boer War in South Africa of enteric fever (now more commonly known as typhoid) on 15 January 1900, just six weeks before the Natal Field Army of Redvers Buller relieved Ladysmith. He was representing the London Daily Mail with Sir George White's force at Ladysmith.

Reviews

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book to everyones taste today but does show the British soldier at his best. Kitchener is the Sirdar of Egypt and leads an Army South to attack the Dervishes at Omdurman between 1896-99. Most of the forces were made up of Eygptian and other African troops with additions from Britain. It is 14 years since the demise of Gordon at Khartum at the hands of the Mhadi. Kitchener's force is much larger, better trained, better equipped and with more support from the British Government. Steevens is a young correspondent following the Army and this is his tale of several years spent in the desert. (He would later die at Ladysmith during the Boer War of Typhoid aged 31.).

Whatever your feelings this book does show the debilitating effects of the high temperatures and life in the desert sand and how they managed. Correspondents were much better of than the average troops both native and European. Does contain inappropriate language but very much of the time. 3 stars.

[bernard j denver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the British in the Sudan

It is how we British brought justice to an evil force. The truth that we have our best to bring civilisation to a country that still needs a helping hand.

[Martin Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing of it's time

An extremely informative narrative from a non military perspective following the progression from the borders of Egypt to the final conflict and successful conclusion of Kitcheners expedition. A good lesson in logistical planning and execution.

[Allyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

pages 317-322

[Stephen]

Written in 1898, this book features all of the patronizing racism and unabashed jingoism that one would expect from a British war correspondent-turned-colonial hagiographer. With that said, it is a gripping account of Lord Kitchener's expedition up the Nile to quell the remnants of the Mahdi uprising, culminating in the battle of Omdurman. Steevens' account functions as an exotic travelogue, a compelling account of expeditionary warfare, and an insight into the mindset of English colonizers in East Africa at the turn of the century.