Charles George Gordon, English general and politician (b. 1833)

Major-General Charles George Gordon: A Life of Command and Controversy

Major-General Charles George Gordon, born on 28 January 1833 and tragically killed on 26 January 1885, was a distinguished yet complex figure in British military history. Known by various epithets such as "Chinese Gordon," "Gordon Pasha," and ultimately "Gordon of Khartoum," he was a highly respected British Army officer and administrator whose career spanned multiple continents and critical historical events.

Early Career and Military Acumen

Commissioned into the Royal Engineers in 1852, Gordon's foundational military experience began during the Crimean War (1853–1856). Serving as a young officer, he demonstrated exceptional skill in engineering and reconnaissance, particularly during the arduous Siege of Sevastopol. His meticulous mapping of the Russian fortifications and his bravery in the dangerous trench warfare established his early reputation as a diligent and capable military engineer.

"Chinese Gordon" and the Ever Victorious Army

However, it was in China that Gordon truly forged his legendary military reputation. In 1863, amidst the devastating Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864)—a civil war that claimed an estimated 20 to 30 million lives and devastated vast regions of China—he was appointed to command the "Ever Victorious Army." This unique and highly effective force, initially organized by American adventurer Frederick Townsend Ward, comprised Chinese soldiers expertly trained and led by European officers. Under Gordon's leadership, the Ever Victorious Army became instrumental in suppressing the Taiping insurgency, repeatedly achieving remarkable victories against much larger rebel forces through superior discipline, training, and weaponry. His strategic brilliance, tactical innovation, and personal courage on the battlefield earned him widespread acclaim. For these extraordinary accomplishments, he was bestowed with the nickname "Chinese Gordon" and received significant honours from both the Emperor of China, including the prestigious Yellow Jacket and a peacock feather, and the British Crown, which awarded him the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

Service in Egypt and Sudan: The Anti-Slavery Crusader

In 1873, with the endorsement of the British government, Gordon entered the service of the Khedive of Egypt, Isma'il Pasha. His initial role involved extensive surveying of the Nile River, but his responsibilities quickly expanded. In 1877, he was appointed Governor-General of the Sudan, a vast and complex territory then under Egyptian administration. In this challenging role, Gordon dedicated himself tirelessly to establishing effective governance, suppressing local revolts, and, most notably, combating the pervasive and brutal slave trade. He implemented progressive policies aimed at disrupting slave routes, closing slave markets, and establishing administrative outposts across the immense region, demonstrating a profound moral conviction against human trafficking that often alienated powerful local interests. Despite his significant efforts, the inherent difficulties of governing such a vast and turbulent area, coupled with political intrigue and profound exhaustion, led him to resign and return to Europe in 1880.

The Return to Khartoum and the Mahdist Uprising

A few years after Gordon's departure, a formidable revolt erupted in Sudan, spearheaded by Muhammad Ahmad, a charismatic Muslim religious leader who declared himself the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islam whose movement aimed to purify the faith and expel foreign influence. His movement, known as the Mahdist uprising, rapidly gained momentum, challenging Egyptian and British influence. In early 1884, amidst escalating crisis, Gordon was dispatched to Khartoum by the British government. His explicit instructions were to organize and secure the orderly evacuation of loyal soldiers, civilians, and European residents from the beleaguered city and then to withdraw himself, avoiding any further military entanglement.

Defiance of Orders and the Siege of Khartoum

However, upon arrival, Gordon made a momentous decision that defied his direct orders. After successfully facilitating the evacuation of approximately 2,500 civilians, he chose to remain in Khartoum with a smaller contingent of soldiers and non-military personnel. His rationale, a blend of humanitarian conviction and a belief in the necessity of holding the city, was driven by a profound sense of moral responsibility to the Sudanese population and a strategic miscalculation that a show of determined resistance might deter the Mahdi. This defiance set the stage for one of history's most dramatic sieges.

During the ensuing months, as Mahdist forces tightened their grip around the city, Gordon engaged in a remarkable, albeit ultimately futile, correspondence with the Mahdi. Gordon, attempting to negotiate, proposed that Muhammad Ahmad be recognized as the Sultan of Kordofan in exchange for peace and an end to hostilities. In stark contrast, the Mahdi's demands were absolute: Gordon's conversion to Islam and his unconditional surrender. Gordon's famously blunt and defiant response was a resounding: "No!"

For nearly a year, an astonishing 317 days, Gordon meticulously organized and led the city's defence against overwhelming odds. His ingenuity and inspiring leadership during the Siege of Khartoum, where he managed limited resources and maintained civilian morale, captivated the British public, who followed reports of his stoic resistance with fervent admiration. Yet, his actions deeply displeased the British government, led by Prime Minister William Gladstone, a proponent of non-intervention who had sought to avoid further imperial entanglements and had explicitly wanted Gordon to evacuate, not entrench himself. Only after immense and irresistible public pressure mounted did the government reluctantly dispatch a relief force, led by General Sir Garnet Wolseley, to rescue Gordon. Tragically, this relief expedition arrived just two days after Khartoum had fallen on 26 January 1885, overwhelmed by the Mahdist assault. Gordon was killed during the final breach, his death becoming a symbol of heroic sacrifice and a source of national outrage that profoundly impacted British politics and public sentiment for years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles George Gordon

Who was Major-General Charles George Gordon?

Major-General Charles George Gordon, often called "Chinese Gordon" or "Gordon of Khartoum," was a renowned British Army officer and administrator known for his military prowess in China and his significant anti-slavery efforts as Governor-General of Sudan. He is most famous for his last stand during the Siege of Khartoum.

Why was he called "Chinese Gordon"?

He earned the nickname "Chinese Gordon" due to his pivotal role in commanding the "Ever Victorious Army" during the devastating Taiping Rebellion in China. His exceptional leadership and military success in suppressing the rebellion brought him significant honours and recognition from both the Chinese Emperor and the British government.

What was the "Ever Victorious Army"?

The "Ever Victorious Army" was a highly effective military unit composed of Chinese soldiers trained and led by European officers, initially founded by Frederick Townsend Ward. Under Gordon's command from 1863, it played a crucial role in defeating the Taiping rebels in 19th-century China.

What was Gordon's role in Sudan?

Gordon served as the Governor-General of Sudan under the Khedive of Egypt. His primary focus during this tenure was to establish effective governance and aggressively combat the entrenched and brutal slave trade within the vast Sudanese territories, a challenging mission that consumed him.

What happened during the Siege of Khartoum?

The Siege of Khartoum was an eleven-month blockade of the city by Mahdist forces led by Muhammad Ahmad. Gordon, defying orders to evacuate, chose to defend the city against overwhelming odds. Despite his valiant efforts and a desperate defence lasting 317 days, Khartoum fell on 26 January 1885, and Gordon was killed, just two days before a British relief force arrived to rescue him.