General Charles George Gordon, also known as Chinese Gordon, is buried in the Gordon’s Cemetery in Khartoum, Sudan. Gordon served in various military campaigns in the 19th century, including the Crimean War and the Taiping Rebellion in China.
He is perhaps most famously known for his role in the Siege of Khartoum during the Mahdist War in Sudan. Gordon was killed in 1885 during the fall of Khartoum, and his body was buried in a spot that is now part of Gordon’s Cemetery.
What were the key campaigns in General Gordon’s military service?
General Charles Gordon, also known as Chinese Gordon, served in various military campaigns during the 19th century. Some of the key campaigns in his military service include:
Crimean War (1853-1856)
Gordon began his military career during the Crimean War, serving with distinction in the Royal Engineers. He participated in the Siege of Sebastopol, where he gained recognition for his engineering skills.
Second Opium War (1856-1860)
Gordon served in China during the Second Opium War, where he played a crucial role in the capture of the Taku Forts. His bravery and leadership abilities were evident during this conflict.
Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864)
Gordon is perhaps best known for his involvement in the Taiping Rebellion in China. He joined the Ever Victorious Army, a force raised by the Qing Dynasty and led by Western officers, including Gordon. He played a vital role in various battles against the Taiping rebels, and his successes contributed to suppressing the rebellion.
Mahdist War (1881-1899)
Gordon’s most controversial and tragic campaign was during the Mahdist uprising in Sudan. He was appointed as governor-general of Sudan and tasked with evacuating Egyptian forces from Khartoum. However, he became besieged by the forces of the Mahdi, and despite his pleas for assistance, relief arrived too late. Khartoum fell, and Gordon was killed in 1885.
How did the Siege of Khartoum unfold during the Mahdist War?
The Siege of Khartoum during the Mahdist War (1881-1899) was a pivotal event that unfolded in Sudan and ultimately led to the tragic death of General Charles Gordon. Here is an overview of how the siege unfolded:
Background
The Mahdist forces, led by Muhammad Ahmad, had been gaining strength in Sudan, challenging the rule of the Ottoman-Egyptian administration.
Gordon was appointed as governor-general of Sudan in 1884 with the mission of evacuating Egyptian forces from Khartoum.
Gordon’s Arrival
Gordon arrived in Khartoum in February 1884 and took charge of the city’s defenses. His initial optimism about the situation turned into a desperate struggle as he realized the extent of the threat posed by the Mahdist forces.
Encirclement and Blockade
The Mahdist forces, under the leadership of the Mahdi, surrounded Khartoum and imposed a blockade. This blockade cut off the city from the outside world and prevented supplies and reinforcements from reaching Gordon and his garrison.
Attempts at Relief
Gordon sent urgent messages requesting assistance and reinforcements to the British and Egyptian authorities. In response, a relief expedition was organized, but it faced various logistical challenges and delays.
Growing Desperation
As the siege continued, conditions inside Khartoum became increasingly dire. Food and supplies dwindled, and the inhabitants suffered from famine and disease. Despite the difficult circumstances, Gordon remained determined to hold out.
Fall of Khartoum
By late 1884, the relief expedition, commanded by Sir Garnet Wolseley, was still en route, but it faced significant delays. On January 26, 1885, Khartoum fell to the Mahdist forces after a prolonged siege. General Gordon was killed during the final assault.
Aftermath
The fall of Khartoum was a significant blow to British and Egyptian prestige. The news of Gordon’s death and the city’s capture generated outrage in Britain. The delayed relief expedition arrived shortly afterward, too late to save Khartoum.
Where is General Gordon buried, and what is the historical importance?
General Charles Gordon’s body was initially buried in a makeshift grave at the spot where he fell during the fall of Khartoum in 1885. However, the exact location of his original burial site is not precisely known.
In 1899, during the reconquest of Sudan by British-Egyptian forces led by Lord Kitchener, Gordon’s remains were exhumed, identified, and reinterred at the spot where the Gordon’s College now stands in Khartoum. The new burial site is known as the Gordon’s Cemetery, and it holds historical significance for several reasons:
Commemoration of General Gordon
Gordon’s Cemetery serves as the final resting place for General Charles Gordon. It has become a site of commemoration and remembrance for his contributions, particularly during the Mahdist War and the Siege of Khartoum.
Symbol of British Imperialism
The cemetery reflects the imperialistic history of Sudan, as it marks the era when British and Egyptian forces sought to reconquer Sudan and avenge the death of General Gordon. It stands as a symbol of the complex and often controversial history of foreign interventions in the region.
Historical Landmark
Gordon’s Cemetery is a historical landmark in Khartoum, attracting visitors and historians interested in the colonial history of Sudan. The cemetery includes the memorial to General Gordon, further emphasizing its historical importance.
Tourist Attraction
The cemetery has also become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors who wish to explore Sudan’s historical past. Gordon’s legacy, the Mahdist War, and the events surrounding the Siege of Khartoum continue to capture the interest of those interested in military history and colonial narratives.
Gordon’s Cemetery, therefore, stands as a testament to the historical events surrounding General Gordon’s death and the subsequent efforts to reclaim Sudan during the reconquest. It serves as both a memorial and a site of historical reflection in Khartoum.
FAQ’s
Was General Gordon a hero?
General Gordon is considered by many as a hero for his military service and leadership, especially in events like the defense of Khartoum.
How is General Gordon remembered?
General Gordon is remembered for his role in various military campaigns, including the defense of Khartoum, and his legacy is complex, encompassing both admiration and controversy.
Who was killed in Khartoum?
General Charles Gordon was killed in Khartoum during the final assault by the Mahdist forces in 1885.
What was General Gordon’s nickname?
General Gordon was often referred to as “Chinese Gordon” due to his service in China during the Taiping Rebellion.
Who won the battle of Khartoum?
The Mahdist forces, led by the Mahdi, emerged victorious in the Battle of Khartoum in 1885, resulting in the fall of the city and the death of General Gordon.
Final Words
General Charles George Gordon’s legacy is marked by his significant contributions to military history and humanitarian efforts. His key campaigns, including the Siege of Khartoum during the Mahdist War, showcased his leadership and dedication. Gordon’s burial in the Gordon’s Cemetery in Khartoum, Sudan, holds historical importance as a lasting tribute to his service.
The impact of his actions resonates in commemorations and remembrances, leaving an enduring mark on both military history and the collective memory of those he influenced.