The fascinating memoirs of Dr Charles Alexander Gordon, who survived thirty-nine years as a military surgeon across the world during many of the famed Empire building campaigns of Queen Victoria's Reign. The author had a long and varied career but highlights including being present with the 16th Lancers at the Battle of Maharajpore 29th Dec. 1843 (Bronze Star). He had medical charge of a force in an expedition in 1848 on the west coast of Africa and was thanked in dispatch. Served in the Indian Campaign of 1857-58 - in medical charge of Franks' Force in its advance to Lucknow, including the actions of Chanda, Umeerpore, and Badshagunge; was present with the 10th Regiment at the siege and capture of Lucknow; had medical charge of Lugard's Force, including the relief of Azimghur, capture of Jugdespore, and action of Chitowrah (CB, Medal with Clasp, twice mentioned in dispatches). Had medical charge of the force under Sir Charles Staveley left in occupation of Tientsin, China, in 1860-61. Being sent by the War Department as Medical Commissioner to the French Army, he arrived in Paris on the 2nd of September 1870, and continued uninterrupted therein throughout the siege and bombardment by the German Army.