The Nile Campaign, 1884-1885

Rudolph de Lisle RN entered Naval College in 1868 aged 13, and was only 31 when he died, ironically for a naval officer, in the Sudanese desert at the Battle of Abu Klea, 17 January 1885. An inveterate letter writer and talented artist, he consistently documented his eventful naval career as he traveled the world. His letters home were embellished with stunning sketches and watercolors. In August 1884, Rudolph was selected to join the Naval Brigade in the Gordon Relief Expedition led by General