NAM.1952-04-93-1

The Khalifa’s Black Flag, taken at Omdurman 2nd Sep 1898. Arabic writing on flag. Presented by Kitchener, commander-in-chief of the Egyptian Army, to Maj Gen William Gatacre, who commanded the British division of Kitchener’s Anglo-Egyptian force. This flag was captured in the town and is not believed to be the one used by the Khalifa during the Battle of Omdurman, that was subsequently presented to Queen Victoria. Associated with the Battle of Omdurman, 2nd Sudan War (1896-1899) 1898. Appliqued on the standard are black cotton Arabic characters, which appear to match those on Standard of the Khalifa's black flag division, also in the collection of the National Army Museum: Transcription: Ya Allah, Ya Rahman, Ya Rahim Ya Hi, Ya Kayum, Ya dhuel Jilal wa Karim La Illatru U Allah, wa Mohammed Rasul Allah Mohammed el Mahdi Khalifa Rasul Allah Translation: Oh God, Oh Most Merciful, Oh Most Pitiful Oh Eternal, Oh Everlasting, Oh thou indued with glory and bounty. There is no God but Allah. Mohammed is the prophet of Allah. Mohammed the Mahdi the Khalifa of the Messenger of God.

Omdurman, Battle of, 1898 (2nd Sudan War 1895-1899)