![Sudanese warriors charge a British relief contingent formed into an infantry square in this painting of the Battle of Abu Klea by William Barnes-Wollen.](https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/M112001new-crop-760x428.jpg)
Battlefields
Breaking the Square: Britain Takes on Mahdi at the Battle of Abu Klea
By Simon CraigUntil weapons technology made it redundant, the infantry square was a most effective and versatile formation. It needed no ditches or palisades; it could stand its ground, advance, or retreat; and it could offer a wall of fire on all four sides. Read more