In March 2026, the UK will launch a new voluntary military “gap year” programme aimed at under‑25s, offering young people the chance to experience military life without committing to long-term service. At the same time, the Armed Forces Bill 2026 proposes reforms to strengthen the Strategic Reserve, allowing former service members to be recalled in times of national need. Together, these initiatives highlight the UK’s continued reliance on volunteers and citizen-soldiers, connecting a new generation of recruits and reservists to a long tradition of service. This tradition stretches back to units such as the 1st Staffordshire Volunteer Battalion, a part-time, locally raised unit of volunteers whose dedication during the Second Sudanese War earned them the unique “Hafir” battle honour.
The 1st Staffordshire Volunteer Battalion, later incorporated into the North Staffordshire Regiment, played a significant role in the Second Sudanese War (also known as the Mahdist War) in the late 19th century.
In the late 1800s, Sudan was a focal point of British imperial interest. The Mahdist revolt had led to the creation of a powerful insurgent force under Muhammad Ahmad (the Mahdi), which opposed the Egyptian rulers supported by Britain. Following the defeat of General Charles Gordon at Khartoum in 1885, Britain sought to reassert control over Sudan.
By 1895, the 1st Staffordshire Volunteer Battalion, alongside other units, was deployed to Egypt to support an offensive to reconquer Sudan and end Mahdist rule. Tasked with supporting the British expeditionary force led by Lord Herbert Kitchener, the volunteers’ role was crucial to the success of the campaign.
Deployment in Egypt
Initially stationed in Egypt, the battalion prepared for operations in Sudan. Their responsibilities included securing key locations and supporting larger military manoeuvres during the advance into Mahdist-held territory.
The Campaign in Sudan
The battalion was first based at Wadi Halfa, a strategic military staging post, but was forced to relocate to Gemai due to a cholera outbreak. From there, they continued preparations for combat in challenging conditions.
The pivotal moment came in September 1898 at the Battle of Hafir, where the 1st Staffordshire Volunteer Battalion faced the forces of the Dervishes under Abdallahi ibn Muhammad (the Khalifa). The volunteers played an essential role in the decisive defeat of the Dervish army, effectively ending organised Mahdist resistance. For their contribution, the North Staffordshire Regiment was awarded the unique "Hafir" battle honour — the only regiment to receive this distinction.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following the war, the battalion contributed to stabilising Sudan under British rule. The “Hafir” battle honour became a lasting symbol of the bravery and endurance of part-time volunteers operating alongside regular troops. Their success demonstrated the effectiveness and importance of citizen-soldiers, whose commitment could prove decisive in key campaigns.
The North Staffordshire Regiment continued to serve across the British Empire, with the Hafir battle honour preserved in regimental traditions and on the colours. The Second Sudanese War demonstrated the critical role that volunteers could play alongside regular troops, showing that part-time soldiers and reservists could be decisive in key campaigns. This legacy continues today, reflected in initiatives such as the 2026 gap-year programme and reforms to the Strategic Reserve, which ensure that the UK can still rely on citizen-soldiers to meet national needs.