21st Lancers leaving Wadi Halfa, August 1898

Photograph attributed to Francis Gregson, 2nd Sudan War (1896-1899), 1898.

Men of the 21st Lancers on board a troop train en route from Wadi Halfa to Abu Hamed, August, 1898.

In July and August 1898 the 21st Lancers travelled from Alexandria to Khizam by railway. The journey for horses and men was uncomfortable because of the heat, dust and cramped conditions. From Khizam the lancers travelled by barge and steamer on the River Nile to Aswan. The unit then travelled by train, on Kitchener's Sudan Military Railway, constructed in 1896-1897, from Wadi Halfa to Abu Hamed. These rail journeys were interrupted by regular stops to allow the horses to be watered and exercised.

From an album, entitled 'Khartum 1898', associated with the 2nd Sudan War (1896-1899).