MOSQUITOES AND MALARIA DECIMATE THE BRITISH ARMY, THE FAILURE OF THE BRITISH CAMPAIGN IN 1807

Abstract

In the British campaign of 1807, the leaders lacked experience with Egyptian weather conditions, as the campaign occurred during the Khamasin wind season, which was capable of disrupting the British army. Poor planning led the invading forces to encamp at Lake Mariout at the beginning of the campaign and at Lake Edku during the second attack on Rosetta. This was accompanied by a horrific spread of mosquitoes in Lake Edku, which was the base for the army's ships. Their commander, Fraser, took refuge there, sitting on one of the ships. He did not participate in the battle in which the people of Rosetta defeated the British army. He was attacked by mosquitoes, which spread malaria among the invading forces, forcing them to flee, leading to the subsequent humiliating withdrawal from Egypt. This is the main theme of the research, which clearly demonstrates that natural and climatic conditions can defeat the mightiest armies. The British army, who committed the most horrific massacres - without mercy - during the invasion of Egypt were unable to prevent divine vengeance by confronting an enemy they had no plans to resist.