Plumstead Cemetery, Abbey Wood
A Nile Expeditionary Force was sent to relieve General Gordon's forces at Khartoum, under siege by the Dervishes or Mahdists.
Worried that cataracts could slow up the main party as they rowed up the Nile, half of the Royal Artillery battery - the Camel Corps - travelled cross-country instead. On 16th January 1885 at Abu Klea, the 1,600 British soldiers in the Camel Corps came across 15,000 rebel Dervishes.
During this engagement Gunner Smith saved Lt. D.J. Guthrie from an assailant by using the handspike from his gun. (Sadly the lieutenant died later from his wounds.) He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery. British killed numbered about 170, the Dervishes 1,100.
The Camel Corps flying column arrived two days too late, Khartoum having fallen; Gordon and the garrison were all killed.