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Arrival of the Contingent [New South Wales Contingent to the Sudan]
Arrival of the Contingent [New South Wales Contingent to the Sudan]

Arrival of the Contingent [New South Wales Contingent to the Sudan]

Maker
Date27 June 1885
Object number00016611
NameEngraving
MediumNewspaper, ink
DimensionsOverall: 230 x 330 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionAn engraving published in Town and Country Journal, 27 June, 1885 depicting the New South Wales Colonial Contingent to the Sudan on the ARAB surrounded by welcoming vessels. The caption below reads 'Arrival of the Contingent - entering Sydney Heads - Quarantine during Sunday'. The newspaper text relating to the NSW Contingent extensively covers the conflict and the role of the NSW Contingent it. Of note is a lengthy article deploring the 'shabby' treatment received on the soldier’s disembarkation after being quarantined for suspicions of typhoid.HistoryAfter the death of General Gordon and the fall of Khartoum in Sudan the New South Wales Government offered to send a contingent to the Sudan at their own expense to assist in quelling the rebellion. The offer was accepted by Britain and a contingent of 622 men, mostly volunteers, left on 3 March 1885 for the port of Suakim. After minor action the contingent was sent back to Sydney, arriving there on the ship ARAB on 19 June 1885. SignificanceThe New South Wales Contingent was the first military contingent to be raised and deployed overseas by an Australian colony. The departure saw huge crowds gathered to say farewell and despite returning three months later, it was an important step in Australian colonial history.