Work started at dawn, but it took hours of hard work with hawsers, engines and anchors before “Bordein” finally came free of the rock.

The worst part of the rapid was ahead, and despite the best efforts of both captains “Bordein” ran aground again. The Nile had thrown up an unexpected sand bar in the main channel. “Talahawiyeh” passed safely on the other side of Hassan Island but it took until sunset for “Bordein” to be got free and join the other boat. The whole day of enormous effort had got them only three miles further up the Nile.

Fortunately there were only a few scattered shots from the bank during the day. During the evening, friendly locals came aboard and reported than there had been heavy fighting around Khartoum for fifteen days. Gordon was winning, and the British advance was dreaded.

“Evidently, as we thought, the Mahdi was fighting hard to get into Khartoum before we got there, and Gordon gallantly holding his own. We little dreamt all was then over.”

--Wilson

Stewart's Dash to Khartoum The Final Attempt to Relieve General Gordon

Introduction
January 24
January 25
January 26
January 27

Part II

Stewart's Dash to Khartoum The Final Attempt to Relieve General Gordon Part II

January 28
January 29
January 30-31
February 1-3
February 4 and Bibliography
Orders of Battle
Gaming the Action
Models, Terrain, and Tactics