Charles George Gordon, English general and politician (d. 1885)

Major-General Charles George Gordon CB, born on January 28, 1833, and tragically killed on January 26, 1885, was a distinguished and highly complex figure in British military history. A decorated British Army officer and adept administrator, Gordon garnered a range of evocative nicknames throughout his career, including "Chinese Gordon" for his exploits in Asia, "Gordon Pasha" for his service in Egypt and Sudan, and ultimately, "Gordon of Khartoum," inextricably linked to his final, heroic stand.

His career, marked by a blend of military prowess, deep religious conviction, and unconventional leadership, spanned various global hotspots, leaving an indelible mark on Victorian-era British foreign policy and public imagination.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Gordon began his military service as an officer in the esteemed Royal Engineers. His initial baptism by fire came during the arduous Crimean War (1853–1856). Serving with distinction, he participated in the grueling siege of Sevastopol, where his engineering skills were crucial in the construction of siege works and trenches under constant enemy fire. This formative experience provided him with invaluable insights into military logistics and the brutal realities of warfare, shaping his pragmatic yet often audacious approach to command.

The "Ever Victorious Army" in China

It was in China, however, that Gordon truly forged his formidable military reputation. In 1863, amid the chaotic and devastating Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864)—one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, responsible for millions of casualties—Gordon was appointed to command the "Ever Victorious Army" (常勝軍). This unique fighting force comprised Chinese soldiers, meticulously trained and led by a cadre of European officers, including Gordon himself. Under his command, the Ever Victorious Army proved exceptionally effective, consistently defeating numerically superior Taiping rebel forces through superior tactics, discipline, and modern weaponry.

His strategic brilliance and leadership were instrumental in quelling the rebellion, earning him not only the enduring moniker "Chinese Gordon" but also significant honors from both sides: the prestigious Yellow Jacket and the Peacock Feather from the Emperor of China, alongside the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) from the British Crown. These accolades underscored his burgeoning international fame as a formidable military leader.

Service in Egypt and Sudan: Gordon Pasha

In 1873, with the official sanction of the British government, Gordon entered the service of the Khedive of Egypt, Ismail Pasha. The Khedivate was nominally part of the Ottoman Empire but increasingly under Anglo-French influence. Gordon’s exceptional administrative skills and unwavering moral compass quickly became evident. He later rose to the pivotal position of Governor-General of the Sudan, a vast and challenging territory under Egyptian control. During his tenure, Gordon dedicated himself tirelessly to the region's development and, most notably, to the vigorous suppression of the deeply entrenched local slave trade. He travelled extensively, often alone, directly confronting slave traders and implementing reforms designed to dismantle the brutal system. His efforts in Sudan, though met with considerable resistance and taking an immense toll on his health, cemented his reputation as a man of integrity and tireless dedication, earning him the title "Gordon Pasha." Exhausted by the relentless demands of his post and the immense physical and mental strain, he resigned in 1880 and returned to Europe, seeking respite from his taxing duties.

The Khartoum Expedition and Final Stand

Shortly after Gordon's departure, a new and formidable challenge emerged in the Sudan: a widespread revolt led by Muhammad Ahmad, a charismatic Muslim religious leader who proclaimed himself the Mahdi, or "Guided One." The Mahdi's movement rapidly gained popular support, challenging Egyptian and, by extension, British authority in the region. In early 1884, Gordon was reluctantly dispatched to Khartoum by the British government, primarily with strict instructions to oversee the orderly evacuation of loyal soldiers, European civilians, and other non-combatants. The mission was explicitly not to hold or defend the city.

However, once in Khartoum, Gordon made the fateful decision to defy these orders. After successfully evacuating approximately 2,500 civilians, he chose to remain, retaining a smaller contingent of soldiers and non-military personnel. His rationale was complex: a strong moral conviction that he could not abandon those loyal to him, a belief in his ability to negotiate with the Mahdi, and perhaps an overestimation of his own strategic influence. Over the ensuing months, a remarkable exchange of letters occurred between Gordon and the Mahdi. Gordon famously offered the Mahdi the Sultanate of Kordofan in an attempt to pacify the rebellion. In a defiant counter-offer, the Mahdi demanded Gordon's conversion to Islam and his allegiance. Gordon's iconic and terse reply, "No!", underscored his unwavering resolve and deep-seated principles.

The Mahdi's forces swiftly laid siege to Khartoum. Gordon, demonstrating extraordinary ingenuity and leadership under dire circumstances, organized a citywide defence that captivated the British public for almost a year. His heroic resistance garnered immense popular admiration, creating a powerful wave of "Gordon fever" in Britain. This public sentiment, however, stood in stark contrast to the initial stance of Prime Minister William Gladstone's government, which had unequivocally wished for Gordon not to become entrenched and to complete the evacuation. Only when public pressure became overwhelming and irresistible, did the government, with considerable reluctance and delay, dispatch a relief force, known as the Nile Expedition. Tragically, this relief force arrived two days after Khartoum had fallen on January 26, 1885. General Gordon was killed during the final assault by Mahdist forces, reportedly on the steps of the Governor-General's palace, becoming a martyred national hero in the eyes of many.

Frequently Asked Questions About Major-General Charles Gordon

Who was Major-General Charles George Gordon?
Major-General Charles George Gordon was a highly distinguished British Army officer and administrator, known for his military leadership in China during the Taiping Rebellion, his work against the slave trade in Sudan, and his final stand during the Siege of Khartoum.
Why was he known as "Chinese Gordon"?
He earned the nickname "Chinese Gordon" for his pivotal role in commanding the "Ever Victorious Army," a foreign-led Chinese force instrumental in suppressing the Taiping Rebellion in the 1860s. His military successes and the honors received from the Chinese Emperor cemented this moniker.
What was Gordon Pasha's role in Sudan?
As "Gordon Pasha," he served as the Governor-General of the Sudan under the Khedive of Egypt from 1877 to 1880. During this period, he dedicated extensive efforts to suppress the brutal slave trade and implement administrative reforms in the region.
What led to the Siege of Khartoum?
The Siege of Khartoum was triggered by the Mahdist War, a large-scale revolt in Sudan led by Muhammad Ahmad, the self-proclaimed Mahdi, against Anglo-Egyptian rule. Gordon was sent to Khartoum in 1884 to evacuate loyalists but chose to defy orders and defend the city, leading to a prolonged siege.
How did Charles Gordon die?
Charles Gordon was killed on January 26, 1885, during the final assault by Mahdist forces on Khartoum. The city fell after a nearly year-long siege, just two days before a British relief force could reach it.