General Grenfell's Forgotten Victory Over The Mahdist Invasion Of Egypt

[@peterchilcott4192]

The Mahdi was also upset because the British close down the slave trade, taking away his main source of income

[@TheHistoryChap]

It was a reason many supported him in Sudan.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

@@TheHistoryChap if they knew they were up against Lance Corporal Jones , they would have had second thoughts.

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

@@philvanderlaan5942 That's because they don't like it up 'em.

[@kellyowens1868]

In the decades long Civil War in Sudan, that saw South Sudan winning it's independence roughly 15 years ago, the South Sudanese were animist, or Christian tribal herdsmen generally speaking. They were ethnically, culturally, & religously different from their Islamic neighbors, in what is now Sudan proper. Even with the sudden overthrow of Sudan's long ruling hard line Islamist ruler less than 10 years ago, factional, & politicsl violence has further splintered what was a government formed of former Army officers, with tribal alligiances, regional political parties, & control over newly established governing institutions, & armed para-military groups thrown in & you have an arid, inhospitable Game of Thrones on your hands, for who knows how long. KOut

[@mikefranklin1253]

Islam still practices slavery.

[@ak9989]

I love the history, especially the Victorian campaigns. That's how I got into collecting the medals in California! I just found a Sind medal in Orange county for $250 and ww1 military medal. I'm at 118 now. Now my two sons a 20 yr old Marine and my oldest in med school, Afghanistan war vet alongside me, like to collect them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying my stories. Thanks for watching.

[@fredazcarate4818]

Sir I wish to take the opportunity to thank you. You have corrected, in my humble opinion, a wrong regarding the Egyptian military record of General Grenfell. The gentleman deserves to be remembered as the great commander he was, and not as a mere foot note in history. Your narrative has brought life of the man's achievements in a near forgotten battle. Kudos!!! Once again thank you for the riveting description of that remarkable campaign. God bless and your family. I await eagerly for your next brilliant video lecture.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great comment. Thank you.

[@Philcopson]

Grenfell was a towering figure....

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

I am not at all surprised to see History Chap has reached over 100k subscribers. I remember finding this channel about a year and a half ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since. The success is well earned. Here's to another 100k!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you and thanks for your long-time support.

[@gerardhogan3]

Just love hearing about those old familiar names...Hector MacDonald, Kitchener, Grenfell etc. In fact, at the start Chris I briefly had wondered about Grenfell Towers. Only because when I lived in South Australia I worked in Grenfell street!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes, I was aware of Grenfell St. in South Australia. Don't think it was named after the general. Another member of the family (I think his father) was heavily involved in the establishment of South Australia.

[@brucemcrae7395]

I must say I am very impressed with the History Chap's coverage of the various campaigns of the British army. They are well researched and informative and presented in a balanced, objective and quite entertaining manner. As a Canadian I would love to see his focus shift to North America and the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. Thanks for a job well done!

[@TheHistoryChap]

The shift will happen. Just give me some time!!

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

As I'm enjoying this fantastic series,I'm also learning where streets,towns and pubs got thier names from here in Adelaide, South Australia. The Grenfell Tavern sits upon Grenfell Street, The General Havelock Tavern is just a few streets away,as is The Arab Steed Hotel... The Alma Hotel, The Royal Balaklava Hotel...it seems that quite a few places in South Australia are named after famous British Battles and War heros.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I believe his father was heavily involved in the established of South Australia. The local street and tavern names probably honour him rather than his military son.

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

@@TheHistoryChap well, a quick google check shows that you are correct.

[@carlekdahl7507]

Great videos, I love that you are covering lesser known battles and go through them all so to completely cover a campaign. Hope for more Boer War videos of lesser known battlas like Diamond Hill, Vaal Krantz, Groenkloof and Bakenlaagte, that would be awsome. Cheers from Sweden

[@TheHistoryChap]

Vaal Krantz is definitely on my list. Need to get back to Boer War soon.

[@bremnersghost948]

Regards the Parliamentary comment on Swords breaking, It should be remembered that the Sudanese were often carrying Crusader Broadswords made by Master Smiths, Centuries before, Not Mass produced Sabres. What a Prize those Sudanese Blades must have been.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing that perspective.

[@TheRobby1971]

Just wow, first class presentation Chris. Slightly different style I thought than usual but extremely good. I enjoy all your work but this was taking it to the next level. My compliments Sir.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Good morning, Chris, another excellent telling, my coffee nearly went cold. The telling of this particular part of British military have been brilliant. Its stuff that I had only touched on in my readings. Thank you again, for a great telling and I will be waiting for the next edition, Cheers from Oz.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Andrew, thanks for your ongoing support.

[@casman1282]

There was a Channel 4 TV series made in 1985 called End Of Empire which featured about 10 of the most prominent stories from the winding down of Britain's imperial rule. One of the episodes featured Aden and can be found on KZbin along with all the other episodes like Rhodesia, Kenya etc. It was also related to a book written by Brian Lapping. It was immensely educational to me to learn so much about British /world history that I had never been exposed to at school (which I left in 1984.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Well told story, what amazes me is seeing the British leading the foreign armies and wearing the fez as well. I look forward to hearing more about general Grenfell Have a great weekend!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

More coming your way.

[@SwingingInTheHood]

As a lover of history, particularly military history, this is just a great, great channel. Thank you for the effort, and the exciting delivery of the stories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It’s my pleasure. Thanks for watching and for your support.

[@nehemiahmathews8683]

I really appreciate how you don't take a personal stance... I understand nationalistic pride and I understand how they can dissuade the accurate telling of a story. Or actually the relaying of a historical situation. How many poor young men who met their ends because of their nationalistic pride?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@RajuDas-qu1li]

An impressive victory! And also an impressive story! It was only for those great men of Britain that the Egyptian military was reformed and rejuvenated. It was those brave men of Britain that did not let Egypt fall into the hands of wrong and extreme form of Islam. Their endeavours and efforts were great! Salute to those hardy men of Britain!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts. Appreciated.

[@paulwilson7234]

Another excellent video as always . 👌

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@dirkl9689]

Another gem of history telling - thank you !

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@martinputt6421]

Thanks for the video Chris, I've never heard of this battle or General before and I love learning new things in history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joeritchie4554]

I love your presentation of British history. This is amazing history that we don't get to learn here in the U.S.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you. Glad you are enjoying

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

They don't teach us this in Australia either.

[@charlesriley23]

Thanks that was enjoyable. When things get tough this week I will think of the nerve of these men standing against that first big charge.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice thought.

[@auldflyer]

Another excellent presentation very informative

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@stevepecket2535]

Brilliant documentary again. Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@AlRedsoxFan]

Thank you for the wonderful video Take care 😇

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@rodeastell3615]

Excellent and interesting as always. Thank you for posting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@Soggybudgie]

Regarding the concept of 'what if ...', Did you know about the Irishman who served in the German army in WW1, married and settled in Germany after the war and joined the police service. He eventually led a patrol who had to rescue Hitler from a riot in Bavaria, thereby saving the life of the future fuhrer. I believe his name was Michael Keogh. Might be a worthy story for your channel!

[@jon9021]

Very interesting!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Wow, now that does need some investigating. If I can find out enough info I will definitely make a video.

[@Soggybudgie]

@@TheHistoryChap I'll look forward to it!

[@icecoffee1361]

So interesting about Sudan, thank you for another great episode

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@beachboy0505]

Excellent video 📹 This week we remember the sadness of the Grenfel Towers.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice comment.

[@davidwoods7720]

Thanks so much Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@davidmooney1253]

A concise synopsis, followed by a very interesting and informative talk. Excellent stuff P.S. I hope the champagne was good too.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes it was...needed a second bottle!

[@jon9021]

Another superb episode sir.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stephenbesley3177]

The Sudanese soldiers were considered superior to the Egyptians. The Egyptian could be sullen and needed to be watched whilst the Sudanese were generally happy of spirit and largely reliable. Its the reason Sudanese were trusted to watch the border and proved good soldiers. The Suakin Field Force is particularly interesting for anyone interested in uniforms. with a mixture of old, new and transitional. As i understand it Suakin is where Australian served as Imperial troops for the first time.

[@TheHistoryChap]

They did indeed. Check out their story in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noeWp3mgrbCUjpY

[@stephenbesley3177]

@@TheHistoryChap Thanks

[@davidcarr7436]

Bloody good stuff, sir, bloody good!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you Sir!

[@scottp9048]

Another good un Chris ! Keep them coming fella !!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

Another fabulous and spellbinding tale

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your ongoing support.

[@cameronbrown9080]

Great video today Chris thanks for the one today

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@gordonpeden6234]

Another fascinating chapter of (for my part) Obscure history. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. 😀

[@patrickrose1221]

They didn't have time for cartoons lad ! Oops ! Sorry Khartoum lol . Cracking video - as ever . : )

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and for making me chuckle.

[@ak9989]

This medal with Toski I don't have yet. I do have one Abu Klea. Time to acquire one.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Might be trickier, but a great addition to your collection if you get hold of one.

[@allanburt5250]

Really enjoyed this one 👌 keep them coming please

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will do.

[@sspiby]

The courage of the Sudanise to continue the fight is astounding , spears and a few rifles against an industrialised killing machine beggers belief ! and they invaded Egypt ?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Oh, they fought with the Ethiopians too!

[@Ewen6177]

Great stuff, as we have come to expect. I truly love this line of history. Please Chris a series from a different era maybe, next time after this one. May i be as bold to suggest the war of the 3 kingdoms and the great James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose. Cheers mate.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I will venture out of the 19th century at some stage. need to take my audience with me!

[@mattharcla]

It was slave traders upset about Britain halting the trade. Darfur and now South Sudan were a continuation of the cycle into modern times.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Slave traders were supporters of the Mahdi but many were caught up in both a religious and anti-foreigner (esp. Egyptian and Ottoman) fervour.

[@mattharcla]

@@TheHistoryChap Yes indeed, but the core conflict remains unresolved to this day in Darfur, where people mortally fear and viscerally hate the northern tribes. The confluence of commercial incentive, religious imperative, a flat out pride has fueled conflicts for....well, how long?

[@jonmeek3879]

Very well told, Great story

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@nicofolkersma2535]

Great story. Well done.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@Fatherofheroesandheroines]

This is a criminally unkonwn leader with criminally unknown battles. If you listen to " history" ALL Sudanese fought for the Mahdists. As always it's more complicated then that. Nicely done!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@jannarkiewicz633]

I finally got off my duff and joined your club... Now do my Benny Hill episode!!!! Love you content and you have a create subscriber Suchomimus -- one of my go to channels for Ukraine Videos. You are my break from Ukraine content!!!! Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support. Very grateful.

[@davew1052]

Excellent

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@josephwurzer4366]

I enjoy your history keep it up.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you. Please make sure that you subscribe to my channel.

[@outpostraven]

Amazing

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@toenhev17]

Apparently it was the anniversary of the Grenfell tower fire this week

[@TheHistoryChap]

Didn't know that.

[@beachboy0505]

MAXIM The British 🇬🇧 invented the killing fields with Gatling and Maxim machine guns in Africa. They published their findings with glee in Europe. The Germans purchased the Maxim manufacturing from the British. It baffles me that the British allowed their infantry to walk into German machine gun traps in the Somme, Ypres and other WW1 battles, resulting in total slaughter. How ?

[@kellyowens1868]

So what you're saying is ... the French, the Germans, the Austrians, the Russians, the Turks, the Italians did NOT let their troops assualt entrenched positions, held by highly trained marksmen, using interlocking fields of machine gun fire to repel slow moving frontal attacks by waves of large unit infantry, armed with single shot, small arms. How backward the British were, huh? However did they win? Just so you know most fatalities, & serious wounds were caused by artillery shelling, in virtually every theater of WW I. They don't call it the Queen of the Battlefield for nothing. Things have changed little since Napoleon's day, with the Russian 6, 7, 8:1 advantage in artillary tubes, heavy motars, & multiple launch rocket systems, in addition to ammunition supplies for standard 150-155 mm artillary systems running from 10:1, 15:1, & even 20:1 in favor of the Russian forces, in various zones of the front line, this will no doubt prove to be the deciding factor in the conflict, if it hasn't done so already. Establishing air supremacy over the main line of contact, as the Russians are just beginning to do now, doesn"t hurt either. KOut

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting thought. I have often wondered that myself.

[@patrickporter1864]

You do not talk shop in the mess.

[@BHam336]

And yet, here I was; thinking having form was a good thing. I suppose having form in something is all very contextual. An excellent telling of the story, as always. Cheers, Chap!

[@TheHistoryChap]

When I was a magistrate “form” was not used in praise!

[@BHam336]

Hahaha, contextual indeed.

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

Wow what a family history!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed.

[@bullettube9863]

The moment I heard the name "Grenfell" I thought of the Glenfell tower fire, yet I was surprised that indeed the street and tower were named in his honor. How ironic that a general known for his level headiness and the fair treatment of his native troops would have his name associated with such a tragedy.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ironic indeed.

[@ropeburnsrussell]

Take a small nation ,add global interests and you get incredible lineages like the Grenfells. Cant wait for their story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Working on it. Coming soon.

[@Archi.x002]

Could you make a video series on the four Anglo- Mysore wars (1766-99) fought between British East India company against Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan? 2) The cotiote wars fought between Wellesley and Pazzashi Raja in Malabar.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the suggestions. Mysore Wars on the cards.

[@Escapee5931]

​@@TheHistoryChapGreat! I look forward to hearing about the infamous Mysore Chopper!

[@AndrewJelley-cj2ov]

baggie fan, totally enjoy,

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@greggweber9967]

Sir Humphrey Appleby said something that applies here, "To lose one member of the cabinet is unfortunate. To lose two might be seen as carelessness." Or something like that. Yes Prime Minister, episode Man Overboard.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback

[@willjohnson1273]

So just to clarify were these Contract Officers, or Officers on Secondment from British Army that were in the Egyptian Army?

[@TheHistoryChap]

My understanding is that they remained members of the British army but were paid by the Egyptians and held local (effectively, brevet) ranks.

[@Calum_S]

Evelyn Wood looks a bit like James Finlayson and now I can't stop thinking of Way Out West.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@WilliamJohnwon1522]

It is very interesting, when talking about the politics of the day. The reason d'tre of the Mahdi.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@thecuttingsark5094]

Where did the Mahdists come from and what were their aims? Was this a case of two empires fighting over the same colony?

[@TheHistoryChap]

No. Suggest you watch some of my earlier videos on the subject.

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

We have a Grenfell rd in Blackburn lancs

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@redjacc7581]

cool

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@bremnersghost948]

With the current situation in Sudan I can see Britain sending Troops there again as the Spearhead of the UN Forces.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hopefully, we learn from history. Easy to get in, harder to get out!

[@jona826]

I hope lots of Americans watch these videos so they can see what was going on in the wider world whilst their ancestors were expanding America across the Great Plains towards the Pacific coast.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Lots of American viewers.

[@shaungillingham4689]

It's quite clear that the British , Egyptian & Sudanese alies had better grooming & barber's available, resulting in better more sensible hair cuts & moustaches that you could have mortgaged your house on!, I'm obviously being somewhat tongue in cheek,but being well turned out & in a smart uniform, would have been a moral booster for those soldiers. Civilisation verses the darkside of the middle ages, the jihadist of that day soundly beaten!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Chuckling...

[@hero4963]

this is the dumbest comment ever these so called jihadists were the ones who freed our country from the Brits doesn't matter what they look like tf they had swords against guns and the brits still got wrecked multiple times

[@cs3473]

Are there still members of the Grenfell Family around today?

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m sure there may be. They weren’t a family they were a tribe!

[@marvwatkins7029]

Egyptians can indeed fight. (Just not with Israelis, at least not anymore.)

[@janlindtner305]

👍Chris 👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks

[@nathanappleby5342]

At Toski, you can clearly see the similarities and differences with Omdurmann: the numbers were smaller, 4,000 Mahdists were taken prisoner at Toski, 5,000 at Omdurmann, a fraction of their army survived at Toski whilst about half of it survived Omdurmann, in both cases, the Mahdists frontal assaults were bloodily repulsed with concentrated volleys. Toski saw a portion of the Mahdist army killed while at Omdurmann it was several times that number. The Mahdists didn't lose any men wounded at Toski but lost a solid 13,000 wounded at Omdurmann, many of whom were later slain by the British after the battle. In the end, Grenfell did well by Egypt and England and kept Egypt safe until Kitchener was ready to go on offense in 1896-98 to defeat the Mahdists once and for all. Kitchener's construction of the fortifications protecting Suakin reflects his training as an engineer.Keep rolling them out Chris! Congratulations on hitting the 100,000 subscriber mark!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nathan, thanks for taking the time to write about the similarities (and variances) between Toski and Omdurman.

[@nathanappleby5342]

@@TheHistoryChap Your Welcome!

[@MickCampin-jp9kb]

The Camel Corp was probably made up of "Blue Marines " who made up the Royal Camel Corp who tried to rescue Gordon. Our RM history is very difficult to follow.

[@TheHistoryChap]

This camel corps was made up of Egyptians.

[@MickCampin-jp9kb]

@@TheHistoryChap the original Camel Corp was made up of Marines to try to rescue Gordon but the history of RM since 1774 is a complicated subject. That's why we wear Gibraltar on our cap badges.

[@secular13]

Grenfell tower?

[@TheHistoryChap]

My closing line.

[@Philcopson]

When you mention "concentration camps" in the Boer War, you really need to explain that the word "concentration" means exactly that and no more, ie - a large scale rounding up of the population into restricted areas, and has got nothing to do with Nazi concentration/ extermination camps.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I think you are missing the point but thanks for taking the time to post your comment.

[@Philcopson]

@@TheHistoryChap Yes, it's off-topic, but there is a large body of Lefties who are firmly convinced that Britain can be equated with Nazi Germany because - (wait for it...wait for it...) "Britain had concentration camps too!"

[@nehemiahmathews8683]

It went through his tonsils and larynx and everything. Must have bled like crazy. Half an inch to one side note a probably taking his brainstem. But if you would have got his dumbass the rest of the British have just said oh look at what they've done to our hero and use that as rally cry for you know wiping out more people. It's crazy to imagine that some people's entire reason for existence was just to die on some battlefield.... Or the accumulated some of their existence I should say

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on Kitchener and the battles in Sudan/Egypt.

[@paulreilly3904]

The original fuzzy wuzzies I believe.

[@Lassisvulgaris]

Don't like it up'em....

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed.

[@paulreilly3904]

@@TheHistoryChap Chris, I've just seen your Black hole video. There's a good account of it in the Faber book of reportage, your telling of it is as usual excellent

[@michaelmanning5379]

A pointless bit of trivia . . . actress Joyce Grenfell's husband was great-nephew to Gen. Grenfell.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Love it!

[@hero4963]

As a sudanese individual we take great pride in the mahdi and his warriors and generals as they stood against the colonizer and actually took down the British army and the infamous gordon all that with swords and spears against the British who are at that time the biggest empire The Mahdi Osman digna and the Khalifa all fought for our freedom

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. Interestingly, other Sudanese take a different point of you regarding the Mahdi.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

Damnably devilish , these duced Dervish , what ?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

@@TheHistoryChap Sorry . I know I'm a rotter . Being the the great , great , great nephew of Sir Harry Flashman , ' s'pose gives me unwarranted licence .

[@talpark8796]

'needed a history😁fix, and uploaded: Chris. thx, man. 🦬🇨🇦

[@garybrockwell2031]

Indeed brother?? If we won't to know where we're going look to where we've been🧐🇬🇧

[@talpark8796]

@@garybrockwell2031 yes. history often rhymes,eh.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@talpark8796]

@@garybrockwell2031 i am not a 'historicist'... kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WUZYyqn7NrldU

[@talpark8796]

@@TheHistoryChap that's obvious.😄i posted a link in this thread, for another commenter. TC

[@rayw3294]

Hi mate, did you know the British and Egyptians actually fooled the Durbish. There were actually 2 Scots. They never stood a chance 😀.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for commenting and helping to raise my profile on KZbin.

[@johncitizen306]

Ugh more Sudanese war? Change the record

[@Lassisvulgaris]

You don't HAVE to watch....

[@johncitizen306]

@@Lassisvulgaris yeah I didn't, doesn't mean I don't want to see other topics rather than just nogs to the slaughter

[@TheRobby1971]

Scroll on past. Simples.

[@Lassisvulgaris]

@@johncitizen306 In that case, I suppose you have suggested other topics to cover...? As a Norwegian, I find this extremely interesting, as none of this is covered in our history books....

[@TheHistoryChap]

Lots of other videos out there.