Charles George Gordon

Charles George Gordon, C.B. (January 28, 1833 - January 26, 1885), known as Chinese Gordon, Gordon Pasha, and Gordon of Khartoum, was a British army officer and administrator. He is remembered for his exploits in China and northern Africa.

Early career

Gordon was born in Woolwich, the fourth son of General H. W. Gordon of the Royal Artillery. He was educated at Taunton School and then at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich starting in 1848. He was commissioned in 1852 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, completing his training at the Royal Engineers' school at Chatham, and promoted to full Lieutenant in 1854.

Related Topics:
Woolwich - H. W. Gordon - Royal Artillery - Taunton School - Royal Military Academy - 1848 - 1852 - Royal Engineers - Chatham - 1854

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At first, he was assigned to the construction of fortifications in defence of Milford Haven. However, the Crimean War broke out and Gordon was ordered on active service, arriving at Balaklava in January 1855. He was put to work in the siege of Sevastopol and took part in the assault of Redan from June 18 to September 8. He took part in the expedition to Kinburn, and returned to Sevastopol at the end of the conflict. With the peace, Gordon was attached to an international commission delimiting the new boundary between Russia and Turkey in Bessarabia. He continued with the surveying work, extending the marking of the boundary into Asia Minor. He returned to England towards the end of 1858, and was appointed as an instructor at Chatham and was promoted captain in April 1859.

Related Topics:
Milford Haven - Crimean War - Balaklava - 1855 - Sevastopol - Redan - June 18 - September 8 - Kinburn - Russia - Turkey - Bessarabia - Asia Minor - England - 1858 - 1859

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