The Allan and Janet Woodliffe Collection of Medals Relating to the Reconquest and Pacification of the Sudan

Allan Woodliffe

More years ago than I care to remember, I needed to make a visit to Khartoum on business. When flying over the vast waterless deserts of the Sudan, I began to realise what a formidable task it must have been for Victorian soldiers to have even traversed this awe inspiring country; let alone fight battles for it, build railways over it and to eventually govern it – especially as they did not want it in the first place! I determined that on my return home I would learn more about the history of the British presence here. The more I read of its fascinating yet bloody history, the more I became hooked. I did not at that time have any particular interest in the Sudan wars, but that was soon to change, and from that time on I specialised in medals awarded to those who took part in the reconquest and pacification of this fascinating country, the largest in Africa.

I subsequently visited the Sudan a number of times, both for business and pleasure, each visit re- enforcing both my interest of and love for it. I was fortunate to make good friends, both British and Sudanese, to visit homes and historical sites, to take tea with the grandsons of both the Mahdi...

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