STAMP STORIES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21386, 31 January 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

STAMP STORIES

(By R. J. O. Collins)

Gordon of Khartoum

In 1833 there was born at Wo 1"-'* wich, Kent, a man who was latef destined to achieve even more bjf his death than by his life. Charles George Gordon was trained for a military career. At the age of 22 he saw active service in the Crimea. Five years later he proceeded to China, where he ass sumed control of a Chinese army to flight rebels. So successful was this force that it came to be known aJ the "Ever-Victorious Army" ana Gordon himself was familiarly re' ferred to as "Chinese Gordon." From 1873 to 1879 Gordon's activities were transferred to Africa, w}iere he occupied with some dis* tincticn the position of Governor o! the Sudan. When a serious :evolt broke out in 1883 against the misgovernment of the Egyptian administration Gordon was reappointed to the territory to withdraw the British and Egyp* tian troops. Although possessing many admirable traits, Gordon, unfortunately, was self-willed, having reached Khartoum he decided to stay there and suppress th« rebellion or to die in the attempt. The rebels who had been worked into a state of religious frenzy by their leader, besieged Khartoum. At first no steps were taken to assist the beleaguered garrison, but aftef the siege had lasted for five mOTth® a relief party was sent from En?" land. On January 28, 1885, thj* party under the leadership S®" Herbert Kitchener ' later Earl Kitchener of Khartoum) reached Khartoum only to discover that two day® before the place had been captured by the rebels and Gordon had bwa put to death.

The marvellous- way in Gordon, with the help of one Bruisa officer, had inspired the native garrison to resist for so long, and in dramatic manner of his death stirreu the public of Great Britain. When Kitchener appealed for funds » erect a memorial to Gordon, ni°j than £IOO,OOO was subscribed in less than a month, and with in money was founded the "GotooMemorial College" at K' iar *° un ll . To commemorate the 50th ans versary of Gordon's death a series of stamps was placed on sale in k> Sudan on January 1. . Three designs have been used, showing Gordon's portrait, a secw showing the Memorial College, the third the memorial service cow ducted by Kitchener opposite »»» ruins of Government House, toum, on September 2, 1898. ;