CRIMEAN VETERANS

Captain Charles Alder - Royal Navy
Memorial at St. Peter's Church, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire - "Sacred to the memory of Captain Charles Alder RN sixth son of the late Gilbert Alder Died the 16th Nov 1903 at Ham House West Buckland Somerset aged 62 years. The deceased Officer served in the Russian War 1854-55 and in 1857-8, 60 in the Second China War and was present at the Storming of the Taku Forts the blockade of the Pei-ho River and the Capture of Canton also in the Congo River Expedition and in the supression of the slave trade on the West Coast of Africa."

William Bentley - 11th Hussars
Memorial at York Cemetery, North Yorkshire - "In loving memory of Elizabeth the beloved wife of William Bentley who died June 24th 1858 aged 33 years. Also of William Bentley late T.Sergt. Major 11th Hussars and one of the Six Hundred at Balaklava 1854 who died March 1st 1891, aged 74."

George Boulton
From 'The Malton Messenger' (Yorkshire) 15th September 1855 - "Killed in the trenches before Sebastopol, on the 22nd August, George, son of Mr. Joseph Boulton, of Norton, and nephew of Mr. John Boulton, auctioneer, of this town, aged 21."

Samuel Brisley - Royal Artillery
From the 'Bayfield County Press' (Ashland, Wisconsin, USA) 4th October 1907 - "Aged Judge Dies. Samuel Brisley Passes Away at His Home in Ashland. Judge Samuel Brisley of Ashland, aged 86, a veteran of the Crimean War, died in that city Wednesday morning. Judge Brisley spent three years in the Crimea, having previously served in putting down the Irish rebellion.  He was shipwrecked at Sebastopol and fought in the battles of Inkerman, Alma and Valla Valla.  He also witnessed the charge of the Light Brigade.  He was an artilleryman and while he was loading his gun, the Cossacks charged the British lines and he was struck in the face by a saber by a Cossack rider.  He was in the hospital at Carma when the famous English nurse, Florence Nightingale, arrived there. He was a resident of Ashland for twenty years and at various times was acting judge of the municipal court.  For ten years he was the bailiff in the circuit court.  All the prominent Catholic bishops and churchmen throughout the state were his personal friends.  He was a member of the Order of the Jesuits.  Mr. Brisley was a prominent Prohibitionist and one of the best known men in the northern part of Wisconsin and throughout the state.  He was the father of eighteen children and was very wealthy."

M. Clarke
Buried at Grangegorman Military Cemetery, County Dublin, Ireland - "M.Clarke, died 27 Dec 1878, 2nd. Bt. Irish Regt. late Adjt. 8th (Royal Irish) Hussars, age 61yrs, Husband of Grace, He was of the 600 at Balaclava."

Robert C. Cunningham - 42nd Foot
From 'Manx Worthies' 1901 - "Captain in the 42nd Highlanders, who was at the Battle of Alma. He was invalided home in August 1855, but died in September of low fever at Malta."

Lieutenant Edward Gawne - 79th Foot
Memorial at Kirk Christ Rushen, Isle of Man - "To the memory of Edward, eldest son of Edward Moore Gawne of Kentraugh, Esq, and some time Lieutenant of Her Majesty, 79th Cameron Highlanders. He served his country in the Crimea and India. He was born 7 June 1836, and died 29 July 1869."

John Evans - 88th
Memorial at Chagford church, Devonshire - "Dedicated to the memory of Captain John Evans late 88th Regiment Connaught Rangers, in which regiment he served in the Crimea during the war with Russia, and was present at the seige of Sebastopol attack on the quarries 7th June and Redan 18th June 1855 and although badly wounded in the trenches 8th August, he continued with his regiment to India as adjutant, and was severely wounded in action with the mutineers of the Indian Army at Cawnople on the 27th November 1857, from the effect of which he died at Babbicombe on the 5th October 1861 at the early age of 23 years and was buried in the churchyard of the parish of St. Marychurch in this county. This monument is erected as a tribute of affectionate regret to his memory by his maternal grand uncle E.S. Baily, Esq. of Whiddon Park, in this parish."

James Devlin -
From 'History of the Dublin Catholic Cemeteries' (William J. Fitzpatrick 1900) - "A group of veterans, some of whom bore scars, attended, in February, 1892, the burial of James Devlin, late of the Adjutant-General's office, one of the survivors of the "Six Hundred " in the cavalry charge of Balaclava. That he should have escaped what Tennyson calls "The mouth of hell," and nearly 40 years after found a grave in the peaceful seclusion of Glasnevin Cemetery, was a blessing which his family gratefully recognised."

George Ellis - 4th Light Dragoons
Obituary in the 'Trowbridge Advertiser' (18th October 1856) - "Our dead heroes. It is now our privilege to speak of one who has been more intimately associated with us, who has lived among us, and gained our respect in his private as well as public capacity, who has recently died amongst us full of honours but not of years who has departed this life at the age of fifty years, thirty four of which were spent in the service of his country ­ a period sufficient to cover him with honour, but too brief for that country's benefit. We now speak of Captain George Ellis, late of H.M. 4th Light Dragoons, the first officer ever interred here who's funeral took place this 10th instant whilst our last impression was in press. And (en passant ) we must express our disgust at the turbulent and indecent crowding round the procession, of a number of ill behaved boys and girls whose conduct, however much actuated by curiosity and not by premeditation, was a disgrace to the innate feelings of natural village peasantry and which misbehaviour is utterly disavowed by the decent and respectable portion of the community. This Captain Ellis was a native of Birmingham, of very humble origin; a man of most estimable piety ­ a good soldier, a strict disciplinarian, thoroughly conversant with the minutest details of his profession, beloved by his fellow officers and regarded by his men as a father and a friend. In addition to his claims on our respect for having served his country in India (he was at the taking of Ghuznee in 1839)  and for having served in the Crimea, whence he was invalided after being present at Alma and Inkermann he suffering from illness at the time of the Balaclava charge; he demands our further admiration from the fact that without being possessed of the adventitious aids of birth or wealth (he rose from the ranks and was formerly a private soldier in our very barracks) he elevated himself by his merit to the proud position of Captain in one of her Majesty's most distinguished regiments. To persons acquainted with the difficulties and obstacles in the way of attaining such a position, the extraordinary merits of the man will be at once apparent. His minister, the Reverent Incumbent of the Trinity Church, spoke most feelingly of him, on Sunday last ­ of his earnest piety and of his constant attendance at the services of the church. The writer himself has often noted there his devotional and unassuming bearing; and it is not too much to say of him that he was one of natures worthies, a man who became "in rank what he was in heart ­ a gentleman" a man who rose with moderation and filled his every station with becoming dignity but without ostentation, a man to whom belonged the rare merit of bearing prosperity with modesty, ever mindful of others feelings whose rise excited no envy amongst the soldiers with whom he had associated and over whom he was called on to command; and who was welcomed by those officers and gentlemen who had been his former superiors. Whether the day will ever come when promotion shall become more frequent from the ranks, and when most assuredly more of the younger sons of the clergy and gentry will enter, bringing with them the "elan" and "esprit" of public schools and colleges, this writer is not prepared to argue nor even venture an opinion on its desirability, but this can at all events be asserted that the conduct of Captain George Ellis is an instance in its favour. We now have a few words to address to our fellow townsmen :- for years past, as great poet, the Rev. George Crabb, has slept his last sleep amongst us. To his memory a fit monument has been raised. It would be but a grateful tribute to the departed worth if we raised, by public subscription, a tomb over all that is mortal of Captain Ellis. It would be a monument to which our descendants might point with pride saying "behold the grave of a Christian , a gentleman and a soldier!. Our fathers in honouring him honoured themselves for amid the strife of a busy world they found time to perpetuate his memory and raised with willing hearts the record of a British hero". T.R

JOHN EVANS - 88th Foot
Memorial at Chagford church, Devonshire - "Dedicated to the memory of Captain John Evans late 88th Regiment Connaught Rangers, in which regiment he served in the Crimea during the war with Russia, and was present at the seige of Sebastopol attack on the quarries 7th June and Redan 18th June, 1855 and although badly wounded in the trenches 8th August, he continued with his regiment to India as adjutant, and was severely wounded in action with the mutineers of the Indian Army at Cawnpore on the 27th November, 1857, from the effect of which he died at Babbicombe on the 5th October, 1861 at the early age of 23 years and was buried in the churchyard of the parish of St. Mary church in this county. This monument is erected as a tribute of affectionate regret to his memory by his maternal grand uncle E.S. Baily, Esq. of Whiddon Park, in this parish. "

James Fergusson - Grenadier Guards
Memorial at Halfway Tree Church, Kingston, Jamaica - To the glory of God and in loving memory of James Fergusson Baronet of Kilkerran, Scotland, G.C.S.I., K.C.M.G., C.I.E. Born 14th March 1832. Served in the Grenadier Guards 1851-55 and was present at the Battles of Alma and Inkerman. M.P. for Ayreshire 1854-7 and 1859-68. Governor of South Australia 1868-73, of New Zealand 1873-5. M.P. for N.E. Manchester, 1885-1906. Postmaster General 1891-2. Killed by earthquake 14th January 1907, aged 74 years."
(Thanks to David Rogers for this memorial)

John Jospeh Flood - 48th Foot
Obituary in the 'Kildare Observer' (Jan. 1915) - "Crimean And Mutiny Veteran Died In Natal 30/01/1915. A Kildare Man. The gallantry of our soldiers participating in the tense European conflict of today should make us hold in renewed and lasting honour the brave warriors of past campaigns, campaigns which have built up, as on a sure, concrete foundation, the glorious traditions of the British Army. One of these heroes, Mr. John Joseph Flood, who fought in the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny, passed away at Durban Natal, on Sunday, December 27th, at the rare old age of 90 years. He long outlived the rigours of the Crimean winter, and the no less trying experiences of campaigning under a blazing Indian sun. Mr. Flood was born in Ireland in 1824, and when 22 years of age enlisted in the 48th Foot (now the 1st Northamptonshire regiment) at Newbridge, Co. Kildare. After being stationed at Dublin, Belfast, Enniskillen, Londonderry and Brecon, Flood embarked with his regiment for Corfu, Ionian Islands. There they remained from 1853 to 1855, when they were ordered to Crimea, where they took part in the famous campaign of sixty years ago. During the Russian sortie from Sebastapol, Sergt. Flood was struck on the on the top of his head with a bullet, which came near to shortening his days very considerably, and made him feel glad he was not a taller man. In 1858 Colour-Sergt. Flood and his regiment proceeded to India and took part in the suppression of the Mutiny, during which they engaged the rebels at Lahore and other places. At Jelung, the "City of Palaces," in Central India, the Colour-Sergt. was for three months in charge of a fort, and his small garrison had to be continually on the alert, as the enemy, like the angels, were hovering round. The regiment after being stationed at Lucknow and Calcutta embarked for home and landed at Dover in April, 1865. Colour-Sergt. Flood was appointed to the staff of the Queen's Co. Militia as musketry instructor in the following year, and he held this position on the militia permanent staff for ten years. Going out to Natal in 1879, Mr. Flood was for many years in the Durban Corporation, and was also for a considerable time drill instructor to the youth of that seaport. Mr. Flood held three medals - the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, the Crimean War medal with clasp for Sebastapol, and the Turkish medal. Singularly enough, he did not get an Indian Mutiny medal, the antiquated reason for this being that a General was not in command of the force in which he served, nor did his take part in a general engagement. In a press interview a few years ago the veteran said that "the Crimean War had a great levelling influence upon the officers. Prior to that time the officer was an arrogant aristocrat, but he had to share the hardships of the common soldier, which had a salutary effect upon him." The funeral took place at Durban on Monday, December 28th., and it was attended by a large and representative gathering of townspeople. There were very many beautiful wreaths. The coffin was carried from the house by four veterans; over the coffin was the Union Jack. Three medals hung attached to the deceased's coat, and a few veterans and a squad of the Durban Garrison Artillery followed. By a regrettable omission, however there were no military honours accorded by the authorities, and there was a consequent absence of gun carriage firing, party and band. The Rev. Father Viellard, O.M.I., conducted the service at the Catholic Cathedral, and also at the graveside."

John Arthur Freeman - Scots Greys
Memorial at St. John the Baptist, Whitbourne, Glos. - "Sacred to John Arthur Freeman: Captain in the 2nd Dragoons Scots Greys and only son of John Freeman Esquire of Gaimes and his wife Constantia. He landed with his regiment in the Crimea and having joined the Allied armies on their march to Balaklava fell a victim to the cholera September 29th 1854 in the 27th year of his age. His mortal remains are deposited on the seaside near to Balaklava and his sorrowing parents have dedicated this window: To the memory of him they loved so well."

Archibald Goodman - 28th Foot
Grave at St. Mary's Churchyard, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland - "Sacred to the memory of Corporal Archibald Goodman, 28th Regiment, who was born on the 18th of June 1822 and died on the 23rd of January 1855. He fell a victim to disease at the Siege of Sebastopol, where he served in defence of his Queen and Country. He was present at the Battle of Alama and Inkermann. 'Death is victory.' Nature provides for all a common grave. The last retreat of the best and brave. This tablet was erected by his father David Goodman."

T.L. Grace - 57th Foot
From 'History of the Dublin Catholic Cemeteries' (William J. Fitzpatrick 1900) - "In arctic weather and amid drifts of snow, which recalled earlier days in the Crimea, Major T. L. Grace died on the 14th January 1895. He had served in the 57th Regiment, better known, perhaps, as the old 'Die-hards' - and to quote from his record, "was present at the battles of Balaclava and Inkerman, storm and capture of the quarries, commanded a leading detachment at the storming of the Redan, present at the final assault of the forts and fall of Sebastopol, also at the bombardment and capture of Kinburn, assisted on three occasions in repulsing night attacks on the advanced trenches, promoted ensign for service at the battle of Balaclava, and Captain for services in the field (medal with three clasps, and Turkish medal)." In later years he was Secretary to the Corn Exchange."

William Henry Hall
Memorial at Pershore Cemetery, Worcestershire - "In loving memory of my dear father William Henry Hall. Crimean veteran who died Sept 9 1896 aged 65 years also my dear mother Elizabeth Eleaner Hall who died March 12 1930 aged 82 years."

Frank Harger - Royal Navy
Legion of Honour for services in the Crimea.
Grave at Northam cemetery, Devon - "In memoriam John Harger Captain 2nd West India Regt died 17th March 1856 age 56. Frank Harger Paymaster R.N. Knight Of The Legion Of Honour died in February 1874 aged 87."

William Hargrave - 7th Foot
From 'The Malton Messenger' (Yorkshire) 3th October 1855 - "On the 8th ult., in the Redan, aged 24, Corporal William Hargrave, of the Royal Fusiliers, eldest son of the late Mr. Henry Hargrave, saddle-tree maker and timber merchant, Bondgate, Ripon."

Edmund Herbert - 8th Hussars
Memorial at St .Matthew, Twigworth, Gloucestershire - "To the memory of Edmund Herbert of the Light Brigade, who fell at Balaclava on October 25th 1854, son of Samuel and Emilia Herbert late of this parish and uncle of John Henry Roberts."

William Keyte - 1st Royal Dragoons
Sergeant Keyte received the Legion of Honour for services in the Crimean War.
Grave at Northam cemetery, Devon - "In memory of Annie beloved wife of William John Keyte, who died August 22nd 1895, aged 62 years. Also of the above William John Keyte, Knight Legion of Honour Late Royal Dragoons, who died February 15th 1907, aged 83 years."

James William Kingsley - 28th Foot
Obituary in 'New Zealander' (18th July 1869) - "At his residence, Parnell, on 16th July 1860, aged 26 yrs, James William Kingsley Esq, formerly Lieutenant in Her Majesty's 28th Regt with which he served in the Crimea and late of the 5th Fusiliers, son of the late Major Charles Kingsley of Black Rock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, leaving a widow and child to mourn their loss. Since Mr. Kingsley's residence in New Zealand he held a Lieutenant's commission in the Auckland Militia."

Major Lambert - Military Train
(New Zealand newspaper, no date) - "Our readers will note with regret in our obituary column the decease recorded of Major Lambert, formerly of the Military Train, and an old colonist, who passed away on July 13,, at his residence, Epsom, at the age of 77. Major Lambert arrived in Auckland in 1864 and took part in the New Zealand campaigns. He was vice-president of the United Cricket Club. Deceased leaves a family of four sons and two daughters, both widows, Mrs Robert Hunter and Mrs Bruce Morpeth. Major Lambert was all through the Crimea war, and was present at the battles of the Alma, Inkerman, the attack on the Redan, and the fall of Sebastopol, September 8, 1898. He took part in the expedition to Kinburn, and was present at the surrender of the garrison. Major Lambert was employed in the demolition of the docks at Sebastopol. Subsequently served with the expedition in North China in 1860-1, and was at the capture of the Taku forts, under Sir Hope Grant. He came to New Zealand with the Military Train, serving in the Waikato and West Coast campaigns, under General Cameron and Sir Trevor Chute. Major Lambert held the Crimea medal with clasps for Alma, Inkerman, and Sebastopol, and also the Turkish Crimean medal, the China medal, with clasp, for the Taku forts, and the New Zealand war medal. Interment of deceased is announced to be private."

John Wimburn Laurie, C.B.
Grave at St. Margaret's Church Cemetery, Oakfield, Halifax, N.S. - "In Loving Memory of Lieut General John Wimburn Laurie C.B. Served in the Crimea. The Indian Mutiny and in N. West Campaign 1885 Inspecting Field Officer and D.A.C.G. of the Nova Scotia Militia and Member of the Canadian  and British Parliaments. Born 1 Oct 1835 - Died 20 May 1912."

Alexander J. J, Macdonald - 95th Foot
From 'Manx Worthies' 1901 - "(1829 -1889). Son of Captain Ronald Macdonald, a brother of the Chief of Glencoe, and Maria, daughter of Dr. Thomas, of Ballacosnahan, and Ann Cosnahan, was born in Douglas, and was educated, for the most part, at Forrester's school in that town. He entered the 95th Regiment in 1847, and went to Varna and the Crimea in 1854. He was present at the Battle of Alma, where he received a slight contusion, a bullet having struck his breastplate, in which it remained embedded. At Inkermann he was adjutant of his regiment, and was very severely wounded, being struck on the knee by a bullet and knocked off his horse. When lying on the ground he got no less than twenty bayonet wounds, which,marvellous to relate, did not kill him. He went home invalided, and, being retired, as colonel, upon half pay, he was appointed fort major at Edinburgh Castle. On succeeding to the estate of Ballacosnahan, after the death of Miss Anne Thomas, he gave up this appointment and went to live in London, where he remained till his death."

Frederick Markham
From 'The Malton Messenger' (Yorkshire) 24th November 1855 - "On Wednesday the 21st inst., Major-General Frederick Markham, CB. Deceased commanded the second Division of the British army at the last attack on the Redan. He arrived in this country from the Crimea on the 24th of the last month."

David Milroy - 30th Foot
Grave in St. George's cemetery, Bermuda - "David Milroy MD PRCSB. 30th Regiment served with distinction throughout the Crimean Campaign took part in the Battles of Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol was greatly beloved by the officers and men of his corps. Eminent for medical skill he came from Montreal to Bermuda to aid the sufferers from yellow fever amonng whom he laboured till he fell a victim to his self sacrificing devotion. He died at St. Georges on the 3rd of September 1864 aged 30(?). This memorial is erected to the best of sons by his afflicted father Rev. A Milroy, Edinburgh, who along with a beloved mother, brother and sisters find their only consolation in being assured that he has come to reap the promise ...."

Aaron Morgan
Grave in the Protestant Cemetery, Rome, Italy - "Sacred To the memory of the Revd. Aaron Augustus Morgan M.A. formerly Rector of Bradley Lincoln then Chaplain to the Army Works Corps in the Crimea then Vicar of St. JohnS Brighton and latterly Rector of Great Casterton Rutlands Born in London on 6th March 1822 died at Tivoli on 17th October 1888."

Neil Morison - Royal Artillery
Obituary in 'New Zealander' (15th March 1856) - "On 12th March 1856 in the Military Hospital from a wound on the head received at the  battle of Inkermann, Gunner Neil Morison of the Royal Artillery."

Lieutenant-Colonel William Morris, C.B. - 17th Lancers
Memorial at Poona church, India - "Sacred to the memory of William Morris of Fishleigh, Devon, Brevet Lieut.-Colonel and Major Her Majesty's 17th Lancers Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath Knight of the Legion of Honour And Companion of the Third Class of the Imperial Order of the Medjidie, Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General Of Her Majesty's Forces, Bombay, Who departed this life 11th July 1858, at Poona. This tablet is erected by his Brother Officers as a mark of esteem for his character as a friend and a distinguished soldier. Maharajpore . Sobraon . Budiwal . Balaklava . Aliwal . Sebastopol."

William Murray - 10th Hussars
Obituary in 'Whitehall Review (1885)' - "On Dec. 31 at Monte Carlo, Major William Murray, late 10th Hussars, aged 74. We imagine that few who noticed this announcement were aware that the deceased beyond having served with his regiment in the Crimea, had been the principle actor in that sanguinary tragedy in Northumberland St. Strand, which in the year 1861 horrified all London when it came to know of the deed. The Murray-Roberts affair ­ a nine day wonder in its time ­ was simply a murderous recontre between Major Murray and a person named Roberts, who had enticed the former to his chambers in Northumberland Street with a view to killing him, as a rival on the affections of a lady. In broad daylight, and unknown to the passersby, a terrible and prolonged encounter between the two took place, it being doubtful for a time which would prove victor; but Major Murray eventually succeeded in finishing off his adversary by smashing a bottle over his head, after almost every article of furniture in the room had been demolished in the encounter. From the effects of this blow Roberts died, his fearfully wounded antagonist surviving, however, as has been shown, until the other day. It may be added that Major Murray was put on trail for murder, but was acquitted on the grounds of justifiable homicide."

Luke Oakley, DCM - 11th Hussars
Memorial at Wirksworth Church and Cemetery, Derbyshire - "In loving remembrance of Luke Oakley who was born at Yapton near Arundel Sussex and died at Wirksworth February 18th 1870 aged 65 years. He enlisted 20th Jany 1832 in the11th Hussars in which he served more than 24 years. He was 4 years in India also throughout the Crimean War, was present at the following engagements viz. Alma, Inkerman, Balaclava and Sebastopol. For his gallant service he received the following decorations, Crimean Medal with 4 clasps also a Turkish Medal, Medal of distinguished conduct in the field, and the one for long service and good conduct. He also received five good conduct badges. On the 20th of October 1854 at the Battle of Balaclava he was appointed Orderly to Dr. St Croix Cross. By his comrades he was called the model of the Regiment. He also served 14 years in the Civil Service and was in receipt of pensions from both services. To sum up in a few words he was a genial, kindly, modest Englishman and a brave soldier also of Ann his wife who died December 14th 1906 aged 88 years."

Joseph Overdon - Royal Navy - served Crimea (medal) and New Zealand (medal) also Long Service Medal)
'Williamstown Advertiser' (9 October 1886) - "A sad death occured on Wednesday last, Joseph Overdon, Boatswain's Mate on HMCS Nelson, while on board the ship on Tuesday, took a bottle of carbolic acid from his cabin in mistake for beer, a bottle of which was close by, and drank it. An emetic was promptly applied by the dispenser, but Overdon became unconcious and died at two o'clock on Wednesday morning."

William Pearson -
Memorial at York Cemetery, North Yorkshire - "In loving memory of Jessie B. White. Died April 18th 1931. Also John W. White husband of the above, killed in France August 16th 1916. Also William Pearson, Hero of Balaklava, died June 14th 1909, aged 84."

John Quayle - 33rd Foot
Memorial at St. Mary's Church, Castletown - "In memory of John Edward Taubman Quayle, eldest son of John Quayle, Esq., of Castletown, brevet major and senior captain of the 33rd, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, who died at Stirat on the 29th of May, 1859, aged 35 years, from the effects of a sunstroke received whilst in command of a field force sent against the mutineers. he served in the W. Indies and N. America, and was at the Battle of Alwa and the Siege of Sebastopol, where he was shot through the body, for which service he received the Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Crimean medal and clasps, and the Turkish Order of the Medjide."

James Shegog, DCM - 5th Dragoon Guards
Obituary in 'The Launceston Examiner' (Monday 27th April 1896) - "On Friday last there passed away at the ripe old age of 85 a Crimea veteran of no mean distinction in the person of Sergeant-Major James Shegog, late of the 5th Dragoon Guards, whose death took place at Glen, near Lefroy, where he had lived since his arrival in this colony. It is not given to many men to hold such a record for distinguished service in the field as was possessed by the late Sergeant-Major. Born in County Monaghan, North of Ireland, in the year 1811, he served five years in the Royal Irish Constabulary, after which he enlisted in the 5th Dragoon Guards on December 21, 1834 and served in that celebrated regiment 21 years and 103 days, securing his discharge on March 22, 1856. At the outbreak of the Crimean war in 1854 Mr. Shegog had completed service sufficient to entitle him to his discharge, but he volunteered to go out with his regiment to the Crimea, being at that time the rough riding sergeant-major. On arrival at the seat of war he was appointed orderly to General Sir Yorke Scarlett and is several times referred to by Mr. A. W. Kinglake in his 'Invasion of the Crimea.' This writer says that he "had attained to high skill as a swordsman and was a valorous, faithful soldier". At the charge of the Heavy Brigade on that ever to be remembered 25th October, 1854, which took place just prior to that of the Light Brigade Sergeant-Major Shegog was at the head of the brigade in attendance on Sir James Yorke Scarlett, who, accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Elliott, and Bugler Baker, rode in front of his troops and, having in the excitement of the charge outpaced the brigade, these four men rode at a mass of cavalry many thousands strong, and were completely engulfed in the Russian columns. "Of course," says Kinglake, " the incursion of the brigadier and the three horsemen with him had more of the 'forlorn hope' that could belong to the enterprise of the squadrons which followed him into the columns; but, upon the whole, these combats of Scarlett's and his aide-de-camp were more or less samples of that war of the one against several which each of the 'three hundred' waged. They cut their way in and they cut their way out." As mentioned previously Sergt.-Major Shegog secured his discharge at the close of the war, and became troop sergt.-major of the Staffordshire yeomanry cavalry, which position he held for 11 years, when he retired from the service altogether. In 1880 he came to Tasmania where he has resided since; it certainly seems strange that a man who has made himself so famous in history should have resided here so long and yet so few knew it. The deceased was recommended for the Victoria Cross by Sir Yorke Scarlett, but was not fortunate enough to receive it. He, however, obtained the medal 'for distinguished conduct in the field' which carried with it an annuity of £20; the Crimean Medal, with clasps for Sebastopol, Inkermann and Balaclava; and also the Turkish Medal. After retiring from active service he made application to be appointed a Yeoman of the Guard but was regretfully refused on account of having exceeded the stipulated age. It has been suggested that a military funeral should be tendered the deceased. Strictly speaking, this is an honour he is not entitled to, but seeing it is so seldom that the members of the Tasmania Defence Force have an opportunity of paying this tribute of respect to so distinguished a soldier it would have been a graceful act to have availed themselves of it when one was offered them."

Charles Swain - Coldstream Guards
Obituary cutting from a Somerset newspaper (Seavington St. Michael) - "Death of a Crimean Veteran. About a week before last Christmas Charles Swain, a labouring man of this village, 68 years of age, had the misfortune to loose his footing on the frosty causeway outside the School, whereby he sustained such severe injuries to his back and head that the services of Dr. Sinclair were called into requisition, and the poor fellow has been confined to his bed undergoing much suffering almost ever since, until Thursday evening when he breathed his last. The deceased joined the Army at Taunton in December 1848, and served 10 years as a private in the Coldstream Guards, during which time he fought throughout the Crimean Campaign, undergoing tremendous hardships and privations. At the conclusion of his 10 years' service in December 1858, he took his discharge, and was awarded the then usual gratuity of £1. His certificate of discharge is endorsed as follows: "Conduct good; he was present at the battles of Alma and Balaclava and the siege of Sebastopol, for which he has a medal and three clasps. He is also in possession of a good conduct ring.- Signed, Fredk. Poulet, Colonel." Swain returned to Seavington and settled down as a farm labourer, without the least recognition from successive Goverments for the terrible hardships which he, in common with thousands of others, had undergone in the Crimea, until the summer of 1893, when he was awarded the "special campaign" pension of 9d a day for life, and for this he was indebted to the kind intervention of the Rev. J.P. Billing, rector of Seavington; Colonel Hoskins; and Mr.M.W. Blake, of South Petherton; and, it is believed, Mr. Strachey, the sitting member for South Somerset. "Better late than never" is an old saying, none the less true in this case than numberless others, for the poor fellow's health and strength broke down of late years, and but for this timely allowance of 5s 3d a week and his club money he must have gone on the parish. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family. It is not a little singular that on the morning before his mishap he received through the post an invitation to dine with the veterans in London, which of course, he was unable to accept; and still more so that Sir John Astley, whose brother, Captain Astley, is now living within sight and hearing of the cottage in which Swain breathed his last, speaks in his "Fifty Years of My Life" of the time he was serving with the Scots Guards in the Crimea, and while ascending the heights of the Alma the Coldstream Guards were on their left and the Grenadiers on the right."

Arthur Alexander Wilkie - 39th Foot
Obituary cutting from a Somerset newspaper (Martock, Somerset) - "The death took place yesterday, of Major Arthur Alexander Wilkie, at his residence, Ash House, Martock. Born in 1834, at Jamaica, his father, Major Wilkie, being stationed there with his regiment at that time, the deceased joined the Army in the early part of 1854, soon afterwards being gazetted to the 39th Regiment, which was ordered to the Crimea. Here he saw considerable active service, receiving the Sebastopol and Crimea medals. When the transport left England he was the youngest ensign on board, but so great was the loss among officers killed in battle that he was a lieutenant when he reached the seat of war, an all too common occurence at that time. In 1857 his regiment was sent to India to assist in quelling the Indian mutiny. He received the Lucknow medal for his services in India, where he took an active part in the pursuit and capture of many of the native ringleaders. Shortly after this he became an officer in the 16th Lancers, with which he served until 1865, when he took command of the Ilminster Troop of the Somerset Yeomanry, which he commanded for many years, after which he joined the Militia Battalion of the Gloucester Regiment (formerly 28th), being gazetted major while there. A keen sportsman, he was a well-known figure in the district, and had a large circle of friends. In later years he took great interest in golf, and as recently as last year carried off a number of prizes at the Burnham Tournament. He was one of the small party of local gentry who started the Golf Club and links at Langport, where he was a frequent player. The funeral takes place in Ash Church today."