A Ditch In Egypt: Jack Windrush Book 11 by Malcolm Archibald

Author:Malcolm Archibald [Archibald, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

General Alison addressed his senior officers as they gathered at his Alexandria headquarters. “Well, gentlemen, that was a successful little operation. We tested Arabi’s resolve and conclusively proved that he has maintained his position and is prepared to advance to meet us head-to-head.”

Jack listened, gauging the temper of the men. Whatever they said, he sensed an aura of disappointment. Like him, the officers believed the British should have continued the advance and broken Arabi’s line.

“We also took a few prisoners and gathered valuable intelligence while losing only a few men,” Alison concluded.

“Did the prisoners give us any information?” a major of the Rifles asked.

“We captured an officer who proved extremely willing to help,” Alison said. “He told us that Arabi has many lines of entrenchments, from the spot where we encountered his men right back to Kafr-el- Dawar.”

Jack noted the information as some of the officers murmured to each other.

“Arabi has a hundred and twenty thousand men, with thirty-six guns, plus rocket and Gatling batteries.”

“A hundred and twenty thousand?” Jack repeated. “That seems an excessive number. How can Arabi feed so many?”

“Presumably by robbing the local villages,” Alison said. “We saw the result of his handiwork on the way here. The officer we captured also said he was glad to give himself up, and he’ll happily swear allegiance to the Khedive.”

Jack glanced at Ashburnham of the Rifles and shook his head. “And if Arabi were to retake Alexandria,” he said, “that same officer would quickly revoke his allegiance to the Khedive.”

Ashburnham nodded. “Windrush is correct, sir. I’d not trust this fellow or anything he says. We saw no evidence of Gatlings, and how could Arabi feed a hundred and twenty thousand men? The practicalities elude me.”

Alison did not like junior officers to contradict him. He touched his empty sleeve. “We can take it that Arabi has a large force, gentlemen, and he is determined to maintain his position at Kafr-el-Dawar. Our reconnaissance was a success. Dismissed.”

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