The aim of the Melik Society is to advance public awareness of Anglo-Sudanese history in the period 1883–1956 through the restoration and preservation of the river gunboat Melik and the paddle steamer Bordein.
The Society is a registered charity formed in 1994 by a group of individuals with a common interest in the history of the Sudan and her relationship with the United Kingdom.
Nile Gunboats
Ships of the gunboat flotilla were crucial to the success of the campaigns and mainly commanded by officers of the Royal Navy.
Crewing the Nile Gunboats
The Gunboats and Steamers had an unusual mix of crews, each commanded by a British Officer, loaned from the Royal Navy or the Royal Engineers.
Gunboat Melik
The Melik, a guide-blade gunboat, was ordered by the Admiralty for service with the Egyptian Army in 1896.
The Blue Nile Sailing Club
In 1926 when the Melik was retired from government service and leased to the Blue Nile Sailing Club (BNSC) she had a long career in front of her as its club-house.
The Four Feathers
Work started on The Four Feathers in 1938 with the Korda Brothers, Alexander producing, Vincent designing the settings in colour and Zoltan directing.
Send a gunboat
The use of gunboats on the Nile, The dash to Khartoum, Wilson’s return to Metemma, The rule of the Khalifa, Kitchener’s campaign, the expansion of the gunboat flotilla and the Battle of Omdurman.