transport in Suakin, but that difficulty was easily overcome by rumours
that 5,000 camels were on their way from the Somali coast to enable the
force to move on Kassala or Berber. As these did not arrive, General
Egerton sent in a proposed scheme to the Sirdar, in which he undertook
to hold all the advanced posts up to the Kokreb range, if he were
supplied with 1,000 camels for transport. A characteristic answer was
returned, to the effect that it was not intended to use the Indian
contingent as a mobile force. They had come as a garrison for Suakin,
and a garrison for Suakin they should remain. This information was not,
however, communicated to the troops, who continued to hope for orders to
advance until the fall of Dongola.

The heat when the contingent arrived was not great, but as the months
wore on the temperature rose steadily, until in August and September the
thermometer rarely fell below 103 deg. during the night, and often rose
to 115 deg. by day. Dust storms were frequent. A veritable plague of flies
tormented the unhappy soldiers. The unhealthy climate, the depressing
inactivity, and the scantiness of fresh meat or the use of condensed
water, provoked an outbreak of scurvy. At one time nearly all the
followers and 50 per cent of the troops were affected. Several
large drafts were invalided to India. The symptoms were painful and
disgusting--open wounds, loosening of the teeth, curious fungoid growths
on the gums and legs. The cavalry horses and transport animals suffered
from bursati, and even a pinprick expanded into a large open sore. It is
doubtful whether the brigade could have been considered fit for active
service after September. All the Europeans suffered acutely from prickly
heat. Malarial fever was common. There were numerous cases of abscess on
the liver. Twenty-five per cent of the British officers were invalided
to England or India, and only six escaped a stay in hospital. The
experiences of the battalion holding Tokar Fort were even worse
than those of the troops in Suakin. At length the longed-for time
of departure arrived. With feelings of relief and delight the Indian
contingent shook the dust of Suakin off their feet and returned to
India. It is a satisfaction to pass from the dismal narrative of events
in the Eastern Soudan to the successful campaign on the Nile.

By the middle of April the concentration on the frontier was completed.
The communications were cleared of their human freight