Bombardment and capture of Alexandria

Background. Tensions escalated in Egypt following Ahmed 'Urabi's revolt against Khedive Tewfik Pasha, driven by opposition to British and French financial control. As Egyptians reinforced and upgraded their fortifications, ships were temporarily dispatched from the Channel Fleet to Malta under Admiral Seymour's command. By 10 July, nearly all non-Egyptians had evacuated Alexandria, setting the stage for the naval confrontation.

Naval Action. Admiral Beauchamp Seymour commanded fifteen Royal Navy ironclads that had sailed to Alexandria to support the Khedive. After an ultimatum to cease fortification build-ups was refused, the fleet initiated a 10½-hour bombardment of the city. This action was carried out without French assistance, marking a decisive shift from diplomatic pressure to direct military force.

Occupation. Alexandria was occupied two days after the bombardment by British sailors and marines. The city, Egypt's principal seaport, later served as a staging location for further military operations. A month after order was restored, General Garnet Wolseley landed a large force of British troops in Alexandria to attack 'Urabi near the Suez Canal.