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Informing The Scottish Public of the Efforts To Rescue The British Force Let By General Charles Gordon
This map was produced in 1885 to illustrate the British military effort to rescue General Charles Gordon, who was besieged by Mahdist forces in Khartoum, Sudan.
One of the major news in the English speaking world in 1884-85, the map illustrates the navigation of the challenging geography of the Nile River and the surrounding regions, with an inset map of the "Environs of Khartum" offers detailed coverage of the immediate area around the city, illustrating the confluence of the Blue and White Nile Rivers, key defensive positions, and local tribal regions.
The main map traces the expedition's path from Lower Egypt, through the Nubian Desert, and into Sudan along the Nile’s course. It meticulously marks key locations such as Wadi Halfa, Korti, and Shendi, where the British forces rested, resupplied, or engaged in critical battles. Terrain features, deserts, and the river’s rapids are prominently displayed, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by the expeditionary force. Villages, forts, and tribal territories along the riverbanks are clearly labeled, reflecting the region's complex socio-political landscape at the time.
The inset map of Khartoum provides an intimate view of the city and its surrounding areas, showing defensive fortifications, the Mahdist encampments, and the British garrison positions. The Blue and White Nile Rivers are depicted with precision, underscoring their strategic importance for transportation and defense.
This map documents the British effort to relieve Khartoum during the Nile Expedition of 1884–85, led by Lieutenant-General Sir Garnet Wolseley. The expedition was the first Canadian overseas military mission, with 379 Canadian voyageurs enlisted to navigate the challenging waters of the Nile. Their expertise in handling whaling boats proved vital in transporting British troops and supplies across the 2,300-kilometer journey against a strong current and through treacherous rapids.
The Mahdist War, which served as the backdrop for the expedition, was a conflict between the forces of the Mahdi (Mohammed Ahmed) and the British-backed Egyptian government. The fall of Khartoum in January 1885 and the death of General Gordon marked a turning point in British imperial policy and became a symbol of heroism and tragedy in Victorian Britain.
Rarity
OCLC locates 1 example (National Library of Scotland)
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