a bitter reverse for British arms

The Dongola Column suffered a reverse when it's leading elements, trying to scout the village and abandoned fort at Akasheh, were ambushed and nearly wiped out by Dervish forces. A battlaion of the Seaforth Highlanders managed to escape, but battalions of the Ghurkha Rifles and the Royal Warwickshires were not so lucky.

Or, in other words, I had friends over for miniature gaming today. We had a very nip and tuck "Patrols in the Sudan" battle, with the stars aligning for the Dervish forces right at the end, after it had looked very grim for them up to that point.

However, several people I had thought might come did not and, after the first game, everyone else decided to call it a day. So instead of the anticipated 7-8 people for a late lunch/early dinner cookout I had anticipated, I have... me. Fortunately, I like watermelon, and the hotdogs, hamburgers, and brats will all keep....