The Nile Expedition to rescue General Gordon in Khartoum - Sudan Campaign 1885
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- The Nile Expedition (or Gordon Relief Expedition) was a key event in the British-Mahdist wars in Sudan.
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In 1884-1885, General Sir Garnet Wolseley led a British Army up the Nile to rescue Charles Gordon who was besieged in Khartoum.
This is the story of that expedition, which despite several victories over the Mahdi’s Sudanese army, eventually ended in failure.
Other videos in this British-Mahdist war in Sudan:
The Battle of El Teb 1884(plus background as to why British were in Sudan)
• The Battle of El Teb 1...
The Battle of Tamai 1884 (the British square broken)
• The Battle of Tamai 18...
The Battle of Abu Klea (“The Gatling’s jammed and the Colonel’s dead”)
• The Battle of Abu Klea...
Gordon of Khartoum (A very Victorian hero)
• General Charles Gordon...
The Battle of Omdurman (Gordon is avenged and the British conquer Sudan)
• What Happened At The ...
General Gordon had been sent to Khartoum to assist the Egyptians evacuate their nationals from the city in the face of a growing Islamic / nationalist revolt led by the Mahdi.
Having got most of the Egyptian civilians out of the city , Gordon took it upon himself to defend Khartoum and seek to establish an alternative Sudanese regime to counter the Mahdi.
But instead by the end of March 1884, he found himself besieged in the city and desperately appealed to the British government for assistance.
Eventually, Prime Minister, William Gladstone, sent a british army to Egypt under the command of General Sir Garnet Wolseley. His mission: to rescue the darling of the British public, “Chinese” Gordon, from Khartoum.
Making slow progress up the river and with messages from Gordon becoming more desperate, Wolseley decided to send a force of 1,500 men across the desert.
This Desert Column, was predominantly formed by 4 regiments of the Camel Corps, plus some mounted cavalry and a battalion of Infantry (the Royal Sussex Regiment).
The Desert column ended up fighting two pitched battles with the Mahdists.
In the first, at Abu Klea, the Sudanese managed to get inside the British square before being driven out in fierce hand-to-hand fighting.
A few days later, they again fought the Mahdist (Dervish) army at the battle of Abu Kru.
Despite achieving another victory, the column’s commander, Major-General Sir Herbert Stewart, was killed.
Finally, reaching the Nile, Colonel Charles Wilson headed up river by steamer to Khartoum.
In the meantime the Mahdi launched a successful assault on the city, which was overwhelmed and Gordon killed.
By the time Wilson arrived, it was too late.
Britain was shocked both by the death of their hero, General Gordon, and by the failure to relieve Khartoum.
Whilst Wolseley blamed Wilson, the general himself refused to shoulder any blame.
Somehow, the British public didn’t hold either soldier to account and instead rounded on Prime Minister Gladstone for not authorising the relief of Khartoum earlier.
In the end the Nile Expedition quietly withdrew from Sudan.
It would be over a decade before the British returned to avenge Gordon at the battle of Omdurman.
#thenileexpedition1885 #gordonreliefexpedition #generalsirgarnetwolseley #generalgordon
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:00 The Gordon Relief Expedition
3:40 Desperate message from Khartoum
4:17 The Desert Column
6:18 Battle of Abu Klea
7:08 Battle of Abu Kru
11:30 Wilson heads up up-river
14:30 Mahdist’s storm Khartoum
15:34 Death of General Gordon
16:50 2 days late
18:35 Beresford to the rescue
19:55 “Too Late!”
23:10 The Blame Game
24:04 Aftermath
26:01 The History Chap
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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
I saw 1966’s “Khartoum” on TV, back in the 90s when I had the the flu and had a sick day from elementary school.
Boy, did I have some choice words about Gladstone!
A great film.
Have you noticed that everyone in British history that ever got remembered for a place had a last name that was a first name. Gordon of Khartoum, Lawrence of Arabia, Clive of India, Scott of the Antarctic, Montgomery of Alamein and a bunch of others. My wife's last name was Oliver and I thought of taking it, just so that I could be Oliver of Kota Beach, or somewhere. Nobody ever heard of a Braithwaite of anywhere.
I like your style. Keep looking for that Braithwaote of wherever.
BOMBAY BOB , AFGHAN ALOWICIOUS ,
@@waynesmith9408 Did you ever meet Dagenham Diedre? Everyone else did.
There's at least one General Braithwaite in this list. Knock yourself out and bathe in the glory of your illustrious namesakes...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braithwaite_(surname)
@@rednaughtstudios You say, "at least one General Braithwaite". How many were there, realistically? It can't have been good. I picture a lot of heavy drinking and long anecdotes.
One of my great grandfathers was nearly caught by the Mahdists a couple of days before Abu Klea when he fell asleep during the march and his hungry camel wandered away from the column looking for food.
My Great Grandfather was in the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards Detachment of the Guards Camel Regiment.
My mother smoked camels!
@@charlesstanger4269 I'd heard that about her.
My Great grandfather Sold Camels, Two Hump 🐫 strongs or the Lights with one hump 🐪 lol 😂😂
Jolly good story old chap. Jolly good.
This channel is a gem for it's great coverage on these relatively obscure colonial wars. You'll find countless channels covering well trodden subjects like the world wars, but not what's covered here; especially the quick biographies on soldiers I've never heard of. Well, I've had fun learning about the characters and eccentrics from the Victorian era colonial wars!
Glad you are enjoying the stories.
you are clearly not British if you have never heard of this campaign.
@@stewartlancaster6155 up your reading comprehension. "Never heard of", as you imply, and "relatively obscure", which is what I wrote, have very different meanings. You also, didn't read or comprehend the other part of my post where I mentioned all of the random figures from the Victorian era he mentions.
Many of these conflicts were re-made famous by films in the 60's - this is where I (as an American) first heard fo them.
@@TheHistoryChap I am glad that Brits Are no longer in Sudan. I am glad that Russians will be in Sudan and I praying God to stop brutal civil war in Sudan 😢
The whole event is wonderfully covered in The Triumph Of The Sun by Wilbur Smith. Really worth reading.
Thanks for sharing
I thought I'd read all of WIlburs (RIP) books, thanks for that, one of my favorite all time authors.
I will
True story, an Australian general was scheduled to take over a UN observation force in Sudan when South Sudan were breaking away, circa 2005. Apparently, the appointment was terminated when the Sudanese took exception with General Gordon of Australia deploying to Khartoum.
Interesting story.
Was he Aboriginal Gordon ??? Just asking …
A little-known fact, Nubia or Sudan was traditionally orthodox Chistian and was conquered/ Islamized by Egypt much later than regions further north.
Thanks for sharing
That was such a well told story, felt like i was down on the ground. Really was unaware of this part of history. Really enjoyed the dynamics being told between the varies Generals, the "thinking General", the dilemmas, the logistics, the mourning of General Gordon, giving an idea of the mood on the home front, its a very humanized way of telling the story that made the "characters" very real, and not just pages in a history book. Thank you, this as been a great epic of twist and turns. Do appreciate the mini recaps at the beginning of each video too, it does help to digest & chronologically remember events as they're occurring. Feel absolute blessed to watch these.
Very, very kind of you. Thanks.
I first read about the siege of Khartoum back in college, but with no details or context. I next heard about the siege of Khartoum in "Gunboat! Small Ships At War" by Bryan Perritt.
Now, I am somewhat hooked on the "small" wars of the British Empire!
I never understood the reason for the Crimean war. Can anyone explain why it happened ? Please respond …
My Friday is made. Another exciting adventure to watch while I enjoy my lunch. The master hits another home run. As a history major in college I continue to be an avid follower many decades since. The History Chap never disappoints.
Wow, what kind words, thank you.
If you want to chat history, by all means drop me a line via my website (www.thehistorychap.com)
Thomas Huxley held that the two most fascinating people of his age were Charles Darwin and Charles Gordon. I highly recommend reading Gordon's notes. He was an extremely unique and capable man of his age while at the same time he was the bane of the UK military because he had a distinct tendency to avoiding war rather then trying to profit from it.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
My great great grandfather was joint Chief Paymaster of the Army Pay Department and accompanied Wolesley on the Gordon Relief Expedition to act as paymaster to the expedition.
Fascinating. Thanks for taking the time to share your family connection to this video.
I've learnt more from watching the lectures from The History Chap than I ever did at school.
Absolutely fascinating stuff, and I'm enjoying learning about former British military heroes.
Glad you are enjoying. Thanks for your support.
Another great episode on one of the finest history channels on youtube - can‘t wait for the next one
Thanks for your support.
Excellent yet again. Omdurman will be fun. Churchill. His polo injury, his Mauser and charge with the 21st Lancers who’s unofficial nickname had become ‘though shalt not kill’ due to lack of active service
Andy, I'm glad that you enjoying my videos about the Sudan campaign.
Excellent, very detailed. Love the passion that use in describing the story. Well done!
Thank you very much.
You and your channel are truly excellent! Thank you for reviving my knowledge and now appreciation for the British army in the 19th century
Thank you very much. Plenty more coming your way.
Your video made my day. Thank you for providing this great education of British history. Love it!
Thanks for watching.
Thanks for another great history lesson. Look forward to the next one soon.
More on the way. Thanks for your support.
I too, enjoyed an interesting time lunching on hot german potato salad while viewing your very fine presentation on the expedition to save General Gordon. I am a subscriber, and a history major. Your enthusiasm and style are a cure for the usual dry and dusty lectures that I attended in college and viewed here on CZcams. I am very impressed by your courtesy of replying to all the comments received here. Thanks for your wonderful channel. Keep up the good work.
James, thanks for your support.
I must say that responding can be very time consuming but it seems the least I can do if someone has taken the time to post a comment.
Another excellent presentation, History Chap. I felt as if I were witnessing the events of this campaign, as you told it. Thank you for posting.
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Congrats on the fine delivery of this historical event. It was very intriguing and interesting to say the least. Thanks for your time and work that you put into this video which you have shared.
Thanks for watching. Glad you found it interesting
Excellent stuff as always. Thank you.
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent presentation.
Well done.
Thanks for posting!
Thanks for watching
This is my favorite history channel to watch, keep up the great work
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First time I come across your videos. I must say your videos are very entertaining and very good, I enjoy them so much. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for making something so educational and at the same time so entertaining. You are the definitive history chap. And no less authentic too 😀👍👍👍
Very kind of you. Glad you are enjoying.
@The History Chap
Same here! I just saw your videos today, and I am already hooked on them!
Keep up the good work, I have watched four already and will in next week, probably watch another half dozen.
Wonderful storytelling - engaging and exciting - just the right level. Greatly appreciated - thank you
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This amazing chap never ceases to amaze us with his informative and without a doubt entertaining videos!His astounding use of language does not go unnoticed! Hats off for Chris Green!
Sorry,I meant TO Chris Green.
Very kind of you. Thanks
@@TheHistoryChap You are astounding at what you do.
All good stuff - your enthusiasm is infectious !
Many thanks.
Another excellent video from YTs best historian!
Thanks for your vocal support.
Again another excellent history. Thank You
Glad you enjoyed it
A spirited narration. Good show.
Great follow-up to the earlier video about breaking the square. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed.
Thanks for posting this history of the Sudan war's.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Nicely presented. Thank you.
You are welcome!
I can only imagine Gladstone practically tearing his hair out each time he got an update on this entire affair he'd wanted to avoid entirely.
Smiling at your comment.
Well done, I've only discovered your channel and it's brilliant. I love history.
Thank you
So good👌these Victorian stories are excellent, keep 'em coming!
Will do. Thanks for watching.
Great presentation, full of enthusiasm - great channel :)
Many thanks. Glad you are enjoying.
Straight to the point history! Use of maps , photos and paintings!, well done!
Thank you for watching.
Thanks again Chris. Most compelling! Your fan in Orlando.
Richard, thanks for your support.
Brilliant production , well done ! : )
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Excellent work. Thanks.
My pleasure.
Excellent as usual. Thank You
Thanks for watching.
@@TheHistoryChap Incidentally, William Gardner, of Gardner Gun fame, was the first firearms designer to use the term "machine gun".
Another fantastic video and presentation
Thank you.
This was outstanding and I really enjoyed it. I loved the movie Khartoum also.
Glad you enjoyed.
Chris, another great video on the war in the Sudan!!!
Many thanks
a heartwarming story about heroic britons ,very welcomed nowdays.
Another excellent and informative video!!
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
thanks as always
Thanks for watching.
Love to hear more about Wolseley in Canada and Ashanti!
Donald, I will cover that in the New Year.
I really enjoy your lectures,thanks for your hard work.
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another great video!!!
Thank you
Yet another enthralling and interesting upload. I've enjoyed them all. Sir, you are an historical behemoth. I salute you!!
Many thanks for those kind words.
Amazing, thank you!
Glad you liked it.
Excellent summary of the battle!
Glad you enjoyed. Thank you.
Great video. thanks
Glad you liked it!
Excellent, as ever. Cheers.
My pleasure.
Fantastic thank you so much :)
My pleasure.
Great doc. thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Chinese Gordon was one of my military heroes as a boy.
Thanks for the video.
My pleasure.
Having seen the movie Khartoum I was mildly curious as what actually happened. Then I saw the title to this video! I was not disappointed in the least. History is always been a fascination of mine and this informative video, the narration being enthusiastic instead of boring, fulfilled my curiosity! Thank you!
My pleasure. Please do subscribe to my YT channel. If you enjoy history then grab a copy of my British history timeline over at my website www.thehistorychap.com
Wow, great job. I think you were made to do this work. Very engaging narration.
Thanks for those kind words.
Another excellent and exciting narration....................
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Very good presentation on a part of history many know nothing about.
Thanks for your kind comment.
Superb!
Thank you.
Thanks Chris, another brilliant video, brilliant story telling. I had a sweat up when you were describing the rowboat passing the Sudanese guards. Keep up the brilliant work, Cheers
Thanks Andrew.
Excellent well researched and presented 👏👏👍happy Christmas 🌲
Many thanks. Happy Christmas to you too.
Then you did it again Chris, another really good episode. And thanks for not using dramatic background music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Perhaps old school?
I can do "Old school". It's my British History Chap style!
Splendidly told! When bringing Kitchners conquest of Sudan, don't forget to mention Leopold II intervention in South -Sudan at Redjaf on the Bar El Ghazal. An interesting dramatic story as well.
As nice as that would be, Chris really does just British military history. Though unlikely to happen, what would also be nice is a video, History Chap quality, of the Battle of Adowa, the third Islandlwana that the world witnessed.
@@nathanappleby5342 indeed. It's an interesting idea!
Emin Pasha story would be a great one. Don't want to deviate too much from British military history or I could end up going all over the show.
@@TheHistoryChap absolutely, splendid idea! Interesting Victorian figure as well. I visited the region around Lake Albert in Ituri in Congo RDC, where he had his last head quarter as govenor of the Equatoria province of the Sudan agai st the Mahadist and saved his so-called rescuer Stanley. Looking forward !
Brilliant as usual.
Thanks
Another excellent video
Thank you very much.
Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Darn, why can't I subscribe? The suspense would kill me. Ok, done, I've subscribe. Please continue! 😅
Thanks for your support.
By taking a look at that contemporary map and one of today I finally came to the conclusion that Gordon probably could have escaped with his life way before being killed but something like that just wasn't in his character. Gordon running from the enemy, could you imagine? Nope, sure couldn't.
Think you are probably right.
Gordon was a bit of a religious but and had no intention of evacuation
It was the times. Generals promoted because of their connections, money payments and social standing and the idea of "glory". Not much changed until after WWII where the silly brits were taught a valuable lesson by Hitler and his professional generals. BTW, the American military is like that now; incompetent lifers who can't do anything else in life, all looking for the seat on the board as corporations pay them off for authorizing purchases of vastly expensive, mostly useless arms.
Considering that all that Gordon was supposed to do was oversee the Egyptian evacuation of Khartoum, not only could he have escaped, it seems that he outright defied his orders in order to not escape.
@@advicepirate8673 The whole British army, 90%,, were "glory hounds". More like "Simpering, privileged highly literate in Greek lap dogs.
Brilliant!!
Thank you.
My fave military history channel! Great work again, Chris and looking forward to hearing about Col. Fred Burnaby
Very kind of you. Working on Fred Burnaby so keep your eyes peeled.
Good lecture and narration.
Glad you liked it!
The best video on this subject ever thank you. I am sure The History Guy is jealous!
Thanks for your kind comment.
you are great storyteller !
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Another well told yarn,great!
Thank you.
New subscriber! Enjoy your content 💯
Thanks for subbing
Very well told Sir
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching
Wonderful stuff 👏
Happy New Year 😇
Thank you. Happy New Year
@@TheHistoryChap 🙂
Thank you Christopher, what an enjoyable adventure, stepping back in time, and to learn the true facts of Khartoum, was never taught this period of history at school.Philip
Glad you enjoyed it.
Great narration, awaiting your videos regarding Indian sepoy mutiny of 1857 or what we call First war of Independence.
Shaalvin, thanks for your kind words. Indian Sepoy Mutiny (First War of Independence) will be coming this year.
Been enjoying this series. Never really researched it.
Hope it is shedding some light for you.
Certainly has. Just finished watching your Boer War catalogue. Opened my eyes in regards to this 'all conquering' British army. As a Liverpool fan I now also know where the name of our stand came. Each video is well researched and scripted 👌🏻
👍🏻🇬🇧. Thank you.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Great job
Thanks
Reminds one of the British being besieged in Iraq. I believe in WW1. Britain in the Victorian period was truly a vast Empire in its international territorial expanse. With its extremes in distance,they ran into problems the Roman empire did in trying to cover such an empire. Especially in military emergencies,even with the advent of the industrial age and railroads.
Thanks for sharing that interesting similarity with the Roman empire.
Splendid sir, huzzah!
Thank you kindly!
Love Your Way Of Presentation
Only For This I Am Taking Ur Chanel's Subscription So Three Cheers Hip Hip Hurra
Long Live & Remember Always The Army Traditions & Great Soldier Souls Of All Nations
Who Won Or Fallen 💖💛💗
Glory For Them
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You truly are a very talented story teller, you remind me of the late, great David Rattray
Wow, that is praise indeed. Thank you.
Thanks for the video today and I'll be glad to watch the next one on flashman that sounds like a good idea Thanks 😊
Standing at 6 foot 4 inches and weighing in at 20 stone, Fred Burnaby really was a larger than life character.
@@TheHistoryChap don't want to bump into him in a dark ally way when he's not happy 😔
My grandfather was a corps man in the army on the Nile Expedition. Later he stayed in Egypt and became a senior officer in the police. He lived to see the British failure at Suez and the confiscation of all British owned property, including his, after many years service in Egypt.
How interesting. Sad ending too.
Great Fckn Story
I loved it, very interesting, kept me very on edge the whole time 😀
Very kind of you, thanks.
Watch Charlton Heston's film when he was young. After watching your two videos I really learned about the entire story portrayed. Congratulations from Brazil.
Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.
Another great History lesson, thank you for this superb work.
My pleasure. Thanks fro watching.
Jolly good show .....
Thanks.
Well done, very intersting
Thank you.
Excellent as always, keep them coming. Might i suggest the Afghan wars?
They are on my list. Keep with me as I research and script my videos. it takes a little bit of time :)
Kilroy corbin was here (1952-present] cold war veteran history student for life
well done mate
Thank you