Beyond the cataract the boats passed through a gorge no more than 300 yards long and 3 or 4 miles long. Wilson ordered full speed, and told the Sussex men to reply to enemy fire with volleys, but again there was no opposition.

Near Jebel Royan the boats stopped again on the left bank to take on wood. A few shots were fired at long distance, and the kurbash was needed again to stop looting, but fueling was completed.

Then came another cataract, this time the boats passed through successfully. After 2pm the scattered firing became more frequent. The boats moored for the night on the left bank opposite Tamaniat, and wood was again taken on board. During the day a passer by had shouted news that Khartoum had fallen and Gordon was dead. Similar reports had been circulating locally for months, so the news was not believed.

“We dined together in high spirits at the prospects of running the blockade next day, and at last meeting General Gordon after his famous siege.”

--Wilson

The boats started at 6am, and at 7.30am passed another abandoned enemy strongpoint at Jebel Seg et Taib.

Soon after passing Abu Alim they could see Khartoum in the distance over the trees on Tuti Island. Another report of Gordon’s death was shouted from the right bank.

Scattered shots had been fired at the boats all morning, but as they neared Fighiaiha the real fight began.

At Halfiyeh the enemy opened up a heavy fire with four guns and many rifles, from a range of 600 to 700 yards. The crews replied, and both boats came through safely.

They could now see Goverment house at Khartoum, but could not see the Egyptian flag which Gordon was reported to have always kept flying.

Beyond Shamba two enemy guns opened fire from the right bank, with heavy rifle fire from both banks. Then the boats were in range of the guns at Omdurman. Wilson initially thought Gordon’s men still held Tuti Island, and brought his boat within 70 yards to ask for news, but was driven under cover by rifle fire.

Hoping that Khartoum might still be holding out, the boats pressed on after a short delay. Immediately the boats came under intense fire from at lease 2 guns in Omdurman, 3 or 4 from Khartoum or Tuti Island, a machine gun and continuous musketry.

“We kept on to the junction of the two Niles, when it became plain to every one that Khartum had fallen into the Mahdi’s hands; for not only were there hundreds of dervishes ranged under their banners, standing on the sandspit close to the town ready to resist our landing, but no flag was flying in Khartum and not a shot was fired in our assistance; here, too, if not before, we should have met the two steamers I knew Gordon still had at Khartum. I at once gave the order to turn and run full speed down the river. It was hopeless to attempt a landing or to communicate with the shore under such a fire.”

--Wilson

The expedition had failed, but this was only half the story. Wilson’s force was now deep in enemy territory, and a rapidly falling Nile studded with rocks and treacherous cataracts offered the only possible escape route.

This article was summarised from and all quotes are taken from Sir Charles Wilson’s “From Korti to Khartoum” William Blacklwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London, Seventh Edition, 1886. Next issue, the return attempt, plus an order of battle and gaming ideas.

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