'Bird's-Eye view of the Battle of Abu-Klea', 17 January 1885

Chromolithograph, probably after A Sutherland, published by G W Bacon and Co, 127 Strand, London 1890 (c).

While on its way to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum, the cross-country detachment of the British Desert Column, under the command of Sir Herbert Stewart, was attacked at Abu Klea by the Sudanese followers of Mohammed Ahmed, self-proclaimed 'Mahdi' (guide, or redeemer, of Islam). The British square broke and was closed only after desperate hand-to-hand fighting. Stewart's men were victorious, suffering 168 casualties to the Mahdists 1,100. The battle was described by Winston Churchill as 'the most savage and bloody action ever fought in the Sudan by British troops'.

After the Battle of Abu Klea the Column continued its advance but was subjected to several minor attacks and Stewart was wounded during one of these engagements on 19 January. He handed over command to Sir Charles Wilson. The Column finally reached Khartoum on 28 January, two days after Gordon's death and the fall of the town. Stewart died on the way back from Khartoum on 16 February 1885.