218 WITH KITCHENER IN THE SOUDAN the 21st Lancers scouting the ground in front of the British division, and the native cavalry and camel corps out beyond the right of the Egyptians. All expected that at least they should have a skirmish before they reached Kerreri, where they were to encamp, but as they advanced it was found that the Dervishes had fallen back from that line and had joined the Khalifa’s main force near Omdurman.

By ten in the morning the army had arrived at its campingplace, which was in the southern part of the ground occupied by the straggling village. As usual, both extremities of the line rested on the Kile, forming a semi-circle, in which the baggage animals and stores were placed, in charge of Collinson’s brigade. The gun-boats took up their position to cover the ground over which an enemy must approach to the attack.

While the infantry were settling down, the cavalry and camel corps went out scouting. Signallers soon mounted a rugged hill named Surgham, and from here a fine view was obtained of Omdurman and the Khalifa’s army. Omdurman was six miles away, covering a wide tract of ground, with but few buildings rising above the general level, the one conspicuous object being the great tom of the Mahdi with its white dome. In the outskirts of the town were the white tents of the Dervish army. For the present these were unoccupied, the whole force being drawn up in regular line out on the plain, about half-way between the town and Surgham Hin.

It was formed in five divisions, each of which was bright with banners of all colours, sizes, and shapes. The Khalifa’s own division was in the centre, where his great black banner, waving from a lofty fiagstafi, could be plainly made out.

The Lancers, Egyptian cavalry, and camel corps continued to advance, capturing several parties of footmen, principally Jaalins, who probably lagged purposely behind the retiring Dervishes in order to be taken. At times the cavalry attempted to charge the Dervish horsemen when these approached, but in no case did the latter await the attack.