Charles George Gordon (1833-1885) was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in 1852. Following service in the Crimea he acted as Assistant Commissioner at Galatz and as Commissioner for Armenia, before being promoted to Captain in 1859.
He served with distinction during the Tai-ping Rebellion in China, saving the Celestial Empire from almost certain break up and ruin in just fifteen months, with his inspired leadership of the Ever Victorious Army. It was for these campaigns that he gained his reputation as a fearless but also a merciful leader.
Ultimately, General Gordon was killed by the forces of the Mahdi at the siege of Khartoum, having been virtually abandoned by the British government.