On their right was the banner of Yacoub, his brother, and beyond, two divisions led by well-known emirs; while on his left was the division led by his son, Osman, known as Sheik Ed Din, the nominal commander-in-chief of the whole force.
The 21st Lancers, out in skirmishing order, were speedily driven back by the Dervishes, and retired into the zareba.

When the latter came near enough to see the small British force, a shout of exultation rose from their ranks, for they felt certain now of surrounding and annihilating the infidels, according to the prophecy.
On our side the satisfaction was no less marked.

The front line moved forward to the thorny hedge, and prepared to open fire above it.

The black troops uttered a joyful shout of defiance, as they took their places in their trenches.
When the enemy were two thousand eight hundred yards away, the three batteries on the left of the zareba opened fire; and two batteries on the right, and a number of Maxims, joined in pouring shell and bullets into the thickest of the Dervish mass round the Khalifa's banner.

The effect was terrible.