The following is a direct transcription of the experience of the Royal Sussex as found in A Short History of the Royal Sussex Regiment (35th foot – 107th foot), 1701-1926. Printed by Gale & Polden, UK,1927. Pp. 15-17. "On the outbreak of the Egyptian War of 1881-82 the 1st Battalion was quartered with half-battalion at Malta and half-battalion with headquarters at Cyprus, the 2nd Battalion being in Ireland.  The wing of the 1st Battalion from Malta was landed at Alexandria after the bombardment, and took part in the operations round that city.  The wing from Cyprus landed at Ismailia in September.  Later in the year the Battalion moved to Cairo, where it was employed in restoring order and protecting the city during the early days of the occupation.  In the meantime the 2nd Battalion had been brought out from Ireland to Malta, arriving there on August 1st, 1882, being made up to 1,000 strong." Uniform and Kit: Scarlet tunic and blue trousers.  White pith hemlet.  P1871 Valise equipment.  Martini-Henry rifle.

"Early in 1884 a detachment of the 1st Battalion took part with mounted infantry in operations around Suakin, including the actions of El Teb and Tamai.  Later in the year, General Charles Gordon having been cut off and besieged in Khartoum by the Dervish forces, an expedition for his relief was despatched under Lord Wolseley.  The 1st Battalion was moved up the Nile in boats and became the pioneers of the Nile Expedition, despatched under General Lord Wolseley for the relief of Khartoum.  It formed part of the Desert Column under Sir Herbert Stewart on its march from Korti to Metemneh.  The actions of Abu Klea (5 men killed, 26 wounded), El Gubat and Metemneh followed. "The Battle of Abu Klea, which appears on the Colours, was the chief fight in this expedition.  The column was moving on Abu Klea wells and found there a strong force of Dervishes.  A square was formed with the transport in the centre.  The Dervishes charged the square and got in on one side and caused heavy losses.  After some hard fighting the square was re-formed and the Dervishes driven off. "A small detachment of the 1st Battalion (twenty non-commissioned officers and men), under Captain Trafford, proceeded in steamers with Sir Charles Wilson from Metemneh to Khartoum in a final dash to try to save that city and rescue General Gordon, but arrived in sight of the place only to find that the city had fallen, and consequentially that the expedition was too late to achieve its object.  It is of interest to recall that Captain Trafford and his men wore scarlet serges lent to them by the Guards and others of the Camel Corps, as the Royal Sussex had only 'khaki' clothing. A total of 109 officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted men died either in action or of wounds or of disease.

Compiled and copywritten by Amy Kitcher, 2004, a wonderful page Roll-of-Honour describing the Brighton Memorial to the men of the Royal Sussex who fell in these campaigns.  Below are only the officers and NCOs.  Please visit her website to view the complete list.