Egypt 1882 and 1884

The 3rd Battalion, under Colonel Ashburnham, had been moved from South Africa to Malta, when the outbreak of hostilities in Egypt caused it to be dispatched to Cyprus and Alexandria.

The ownership of predominant shares in the Suez Canal Company gave us a close interest in Egyptian affairs. The finances of the Khedive had gone from bad to worse; and Captain Baring (later Lord Cromer) was sent out to organize his affairs. In 1881 an insurrection under Arabi Bey broke out, causing widespread disorder and the murder of European residents, and the British Government decided to take military action.

Bombardment of Alexandria, 17th July

Alexandria was bombarded by the Fleet and on 18th July the 3rd Battalion landed while the city was in flames, forming part of the advance force under Major-General Sir Archibald Allison. A portion of the Battalion took part with the Mounted Infantry on 22nd July, in the engagement at Mallana Junction, eight miles from Alexandria, and again in the reconnaissance in force on 5th August near Ramleh.

Rifleman F. Corbett gained the Victoria Cross during the latter operation.

Kassassin, 9th September

On 18th August, upon the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Garnet Wolseley, the 3rd Battalion embarked for Ismailia, and took part in the actions of Tel-el-Mahuta on the 25th and Kassassin on 9th September, when the enemy, about 13,000 strong, was completely defeated.

Tel-El-Kebir, 13th September 1882

The Battalion, temporarily commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. L. K. Ogilvy, formed part of the 4th Brigade under Colonel Ashburnham in the night march of 12th/13th September and the assault on the lines of Tel-el-Kebir at daybreak. The Brigade closed up on the left of the Highland Brigade as day began to dawn. The Battalion in two lines pressed eagerly forward with its accustomed dash, and entered the Egyptian works at about the centre of the position. Major Cramer, Second-in-Command, was wounded, and had his horse shot under him. The enemy gave way on all sides, and were broken and dispersed in headlong flight. Two days later Cairo was captured and the war ended, upon which the Battalion formed part of the army of occupation.