Built in Britain and shipped to Egypt, the Melik took part in General Kitchener's campaign to re-capture Khartoum and crush the rebellion in the Sudan, thus avenging General Gordon's death.

Small and very shallow draught, the Melik carried an armament of maxim machine guns and 12-pounder guns that provided valuable support during the campaign and particularly at the key battle of Omdurman.

Passed to the Sudanese government and then leased to a yacht club, the Melik has survived relatively intact. She is currently beached near Khartoum, awaiting a restoration plan.

The model has been designed with the assistance of the Melik Society, who are currently promoting her restoration (www.melik.org.uk).

The model shows the Melik as she appeared when built.