With the heights taken by the River Column their position was secured during these four moves.
All while the drums continued!
The Dervishes slowly grew stronger but withdrew out of Rifle range.
The Camel Corps withdrew from their slightly exposed position on the left flank.
The Desert Column advanced slowly towards the ever growing Dervishes.
The Sphinxes head was now clearly visible to the Column Commanders!
Major Kitcheners message preying on their minds, the Column paused.
All most immediately a small number of Dervish Riflemen appeared to their rear.
This caused the Bombay infantry and Bengal Cavalry to about turn.
Captain Barrington Smythe took onboard locals who wanted to leave the Sudan.
And set sale.
From Maj-Gen Grenfell
To Desert Column
Splendid work so far gentlemen, keep it up, Johnny Dervish will come to regret tangling with the forces of Her Majesty. Good cooperation between the Marines and the Black Watch. The Bombay Infantry are to be commended on facing the threat to our rear.
There will be a temporary pause in our advance, let the blighters fall on our positions and lets blow them away with fire power. With that in mind I am issuing Order number 4 through the normal channels.