The heavy fire of the regular battalion checked the Dervish advance, and Captain Fleming, the rest of the dismounted camel-men, and Ruthven still carrying his native officer, found safety in their ranks. [For his gallantry on this occasion Captain Ruthven has since received the Victoria Cross.] A short fierce musketry combat followed at a range of less than a hundred yards, at the end of which the assailants of the baggage convoy were completely repulsed.  The action was now practically over and success was won.  The Arab battalion, and those of the irregulars that had rallied, advanced and drove the enemy before them towards Gedaref, until at ten o’clock, both their front and rear attacks having failed, the Dervishes abandoned all resistance and a general rout ensued.  No cavalry or artillery being available, further pursuit was impossible.

The town of Gedaref surrendered at noon.  The Dervish Emir, Nur Angara, who with 200 black riflemen and two brass guns had been left in command of the garrison, made haste to submit.  The remainder of the Dervishes, continuing their flight under the Emir Saadalla, hurried to tell the tale of defeat to Ahmed Fedil.

The casualties suffered by the Kassala column in the action were severe in proportion to their numbers and the duration of the fight.  The seven British officers escaped untouched; but of the 1,400 soldiers and irregulars engaged, 51 were killed and 80 wounded—­a total of 131.  The Dervishes left 500 dead on the field, including four Emirs of rank.

The victory had been won, the enemy were routed, and the town was taken:  it had now to be defended.  Colonel Parsons took possession of the principal buildings, and began immediately to put them in a state of defence.  This was fortunately an easy matter.  The position was good and adaptable.  It consisted of three large enclosures, capable of holding the entire force, situated in echelon, so as to protect each other by their fire, and with strong brick walls six feet high.  All were at once set to work to clear the approaches, to level the mud houses without, and to build ramparts or banquettes within the walls.  The three enclosures thus became three forts, and in the principal work the two captured brass guns were mounted, in small bastions thrown out from the north and west corners.  While the infantry were thus engaged, Ruthven and his camel-men made daily reconnaissances of the surrounding country, and eagerly looked for the first appearance of Ahmed Fedil.

By great good fortune a convoy of ammunition from Mugatta reached Gedaref on the afternoon of the 27th.  At dawn the next day Ruthven reported that the advance guard of Ahmed Fedil was approaching the town.  The attack began at half-past eight.  The Dervishes, who fought with their customary gallantry, simultaneously assaulted the north, south, and west faces of the defences.  Creeping forward through the high doura, they were able to get within 300 yards of the enclosures.