Eastern Arab Corps Explained

Unit Name:Eastern Arab Corps
Dates:Founded in the late 19th century
Country:Sudan
Allegiance:Sudan Defence Force
Battles:East African campaign
Notable Commanders:Mohammed Mahmoud Effendi

The Eastern Arab Corps was an armed unit that formed the nucleas of the modern day Sudanese Armed Forces.[1] Founded by Beni Amer tribesmen in Eastern Sudan during the late 19th century, the Eastern Arab Corps emerged as a formidable armed unit with bases in Kassala and Gedaref respectively.[2]

Introduction

The Eastern Arab Corps represents a key institution in the formation and development of the Sudanese Armed Forces. Originating in the 1890s as a founding unit of the Sudan Defence Force, the Eastern Arab Corps was spearheaded by Beni Amer tribesmen of the Eastern Sudan. The insignia of the Eastern Arab Corps was the Shotal, a famous curved dagger used in Eastern Sudan.[2]

Structure

With bases strategically located in Kassala and Gedaref, the Eastern Arab Corps was composed of infantry, mounted (horseback and camel company), and machine gun units to address a range of military challenges.[2] The Eastern Arab Corps operated with two distinct sub-units, the Idara and Hagana. These units undertook missions ranging from maintaining internal order in the country, patrolling the borders with neighbouring nations and actively participating in international warfare such as the East African campaign. During World War II, the Eastern Arab Corps was involved in warfare on the global stage, as it actively took part in the East African campaign against the Italians. The opening days of the conflict belongs to the Eastern Arab Corps as it was staged in their country, and the opening blows were rightly theirs to strike.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: A member of the Sudan Defence Force, 1950 . National Army Museum, London . collection.nam.ac.uk.
  2. Fleming . G. J. . Kassala . Sudan Notes and Records . 1922 . 5 . 2 . 65–77 . 0375-2984.
  3. Gifford . G. . The Sudan at War: The Composite Infantry Battalion of the Eastern Arab Corps, Sudan Defence Force, in the Abyssinian Campaign . Journal of the Royal African Society . 1943 . 42 . 169 . 155–164 . 0368-4016.