Pardoo Station, near Kheris, Southern Sudistan

I was today witness to a general action of the Mahaba Field Force, led by General Sir Garnett Humber, against the Balagashi rebels of Amir Al-Bashi.

A small supply convoy, destined to provide much needed well drilling equipment to the peaceful Ourugha peoples of the Kheris region was ambushed by the Balagashi rebels and was forced to seek protection in the deserted river station at Pardoo.

The garrison, commanded by Captain M. StJ. Eager of the 85th, held out during the night against Balagashi harrassment, and managed to dispatch a messenger to Mahaba to seek aid from General Humber.   Humber acted with alacrity and I accompanied the Mahaba Field Force on a gruelling forced march through the night arriving within a few miles of Pardoo Station as the day began to break.

It was clear from the sound of gunfire that the garrison was already under attack and I observed from a nearby hill that a large force of Dervishes, including artillery, was already descending on Pardoo Station.

The woods on the approach to the Station were lightly populated with Dervish skirmishers, and these were rapidly cleared away by the 3^rd Hussars, although their commander, Capt. Hon. S. Fitzdashing was killed during the skirmish.   This caused both cavalry and infantry to halt and face sporadic rifle fire from the overlooking hills.   Although this skirmishing force was small and reinforced by camel riders (who were quickly seen off), General Humber halted his entire force and deployed his machine gun, the better to destroy the enemy.

All the while, it was clear to all present that the garrison at Pardoo, a mere couple of miles away, was under heavy attack by a substantial Dervish force.   Despite the exhortations of his junior officers, General Humber advanced slowly and methodically, halting to clear each group of Dervish skirmishers from his path before advancing again.    We could hear that the gunfire from the garrison was gradually diminishing and could see the hastily constructed defensive walls were swarming with rebel warriors.   Our only hope was that the Union Flag still flew.

Above: The 85th defend Pardoo Station

At this juncture, General Humber halted 2 Platoon, B Company 85^th and ordered it to form square to meet the threat of a single small band of spearmen. The platoon, saw off the spearmen but were immediately fired upon by a band of Dervish riflemen who succeeded in inflicting heavy casualties on the mass of the square and also managed to cause 1 Platoon, A Company 85^th to fall back. Again the advance was halted for a considerable period.

Approximately four hours after dawn the machine gun was finally brought to play on the Dervishes attacking Pardoo Station but it was clear that the fight had already been taken out of them. The perimeter of the station was covered by Dervish dead and wounded. Although clearly defeated the Dervishes made another charge, directly at the machine gun – a courageous but ultimately futile gesture. The Dervish army was finally dispersed.

We approached Pardoo Station with some trepidation given the eerie silence that surrounded it, broken only by the moans of the scores of wounded Dervishes surrounding it. Picking our way over the barricades we found the wounded form of the garrison commander Captain Eager, surrounded by Dervish dead but miraculously still alive. From the station itself emerged the forms of the few able- bodied defenders led by Sergeant Josiah Baker. The badly wounded Lt. E. Glimpsing was also recovered from amongst the many bodies of the enemy.

Captain Eager and his platoon had held the Station for over four hours against an enemy of over five times his number, that enemy being also supplied with artillery support. The Borsetshire Highlanders of the 85^th stood and fought, and fell where they stood. The sluggish approach of the Mahaba Field Force, a pace belied by its brisk forced march of the previous night, did little more than draw off a few skirmishers, meaning that the garrison bore the full brunt of the rebel attack. General Humber’s caution nearly led to the destruction of Captain Eager’s small force. As it was the Field Force took very heavy casualties through dint of halting and reforming after every attack, allowing the rebels time to mount a further assault, rather than taking the initiative and driving on to the garrison.

Captain Eager and his platoon acted in the best tradition of the British Army, fighting gallantly against overwhelming odds and overcoming a superior enemy. I cannot commend their heroism more highly. However their sacrifice would have been unnecessary had their relief been more prompt in arriving. At several times during the action General Humber erred on the side of caution rather than courage leaving the garrison to fend for themselves. It is a tribute to the heroism and gallantry of the Pardoo Station garrison that any of them lived to tell the tale.

S. K. ”Jack” Russell

From Maj. John Sitting-Homely R. E. (Rtd.)

Sir,
On reading the account of the battle for Pardoo Station from Mr RUSSELL, I was appalled to understand that a commanding officer of the 85th, a gallant and heroic body of men, was hesitant in his approach to relieve the garrison at Pardoo. I remember that in my day, against the Zulu in South Africa, we were much more determined to take on the enemy with express purpose.

I was, however, delighted to read of the heroism of Captain EAGER and his platoon and I would encourage their lordships in the Ministry to consider this brave young man for decoration for upholding the traditions of the British Army, against superior numbers with relief in sight but not forthcoming.
I call on the House to take charge of this affair and send out one of our promising new leaders, Kitchener and to remove HUMBER from command.

Yours impatiently
John Sitting-Homely, Major Royal Engineers (Rtd.)