LIVES OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
The E.J. Boys Archive

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[PB, Jan 2014: Edward Grennan is discussed by EJ Boys in his article on "The Australian graves of Crimean War Light Brigade veterans", published in Sabretache, the journal of the Military Historical Society of Australia (2000 [sic?]), available online at http://chargeofthelightbrigade.com/furtherinfo/sabretache/sabretache.html.]

The Australian graves of Crimean War Light Brigade veterans

EJ Boys



THE MEN RECORDED HERE served in one or other of the five regiments of Light Cavalry that formed the Light Brigade during the Crimean campaign of 1854-56. No muster roll exists (if indeed one was taken) of the men who actually participated in the Balaclava 'Charge' of the 25 October 1854, so only being killed or wounded in action, taken prisoner of war, decorated for a particular act during the Charge or some other documentary evidence can confirm the matter.

Where any of the above is known, this is shown next to their name. But in the case of those men who did not arrive in the Crimea until after the qualifying date, 9 September 1855, there is nothing.

Following their service, all those recorded here seemingly ended their days in Australia, having arrived by various means, all of which, where known, are recorded, as is what happened to them there.

A number of gaps exist, however, and I would be very grateful to anybody who could possibly fill in the missing links and especially for photographs of any gravestones or gravesites I do not have. I must, too, take this opportunity of thanking (and at the same time apologising for the use of it) all those descendant families who have over the years helped me, albeit in return for what I have been able to tell them of from this end. It will be appreciated, too, that I have considerably more on most of the individuals named here, space preventing further elaboration.

John GRAY - Rode in the Charge

John Gray was born at Chatham, Kent, on 25 November 1831, the son of William Gray, a painter, and his wife Mary. He enlisted at Rochester in the 57th Regiment of Foot on 24 November 1845 at the age of 15 years. Gray was appointed Drummer in October 1849. He transferred as a Private to the 4th Light Dragoons in May 1851 and 'to serve in the Regtl. Band.'

Slightly wounded at Balaclava during the Charge, he was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava' and 'Sebastopol', and was discharged from Dublin in May 1861, after 12 years service: 'Unfit for further service. He has for some considerable time suffered from varicose veins of the legs. The disease has not been aggravated by vice or intemperance.'

Gray was awarded a pension of 8d. per day for three years, but was later refused further pension payments, a letter being sent telling him that 'he had no claim to anything bar his discharge pension' in April 1877.

Gray lived in Chatham, England, up to 1864, but he later emigrated to Australia and settled near Fremantle, where he died on 24 June 1891, aged 60 years, from "Paralysis Alcoholism (Acute)." He was buried in the old cemetery in Alma Street, Fremantle, which has now been levelled and a check of the Records of Burial shows that there is a gap in them of 24 years between the 31st of July 1875 and the 4th of March 1897, thus no trace of his grave can be found.

The Colonial Military Gazette for August 1891 said: 'Funeral of a Crimean Hero John Richard Gray, a survivor of the Charge of the Light Brigade, was buried at Perth on the 25th of June. Gray rode in the charge with the 4th Light Dragoons and was a field trumpeter on that occasion. It was a wound received in the charge that initially caused the death of the old man. The pall-bearers at his funeral were all old soldiers.'

Information from Mr. Broomhall, the author of The Enrolled Pensioners Force of Western Australia, shows that 'John Gray was never an E.P.F. man. It is more than likely that he came out as a warder on one of the convict ships and I have only one entry for him.'

Accession No 390 Battye Library of Perth, WA, says: 'John Richard Gray, late warder at Fremantle (Gaol) applies for increased pension.'

Governor F Napier Broome wrote: 'As a survivor of the immortal Charge of the Light Brigade, this officer has a claim to the greatest possible consideration'.

Some time later, Mr Broome again wrote: 'He has a Chelsea pension of 5d. per day. Has 15 years military service, November 1845 to April 1861, including the Crimea. Present at Alma and Balaclava, rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade in the 4th Light Dragoons, wounded and horse killed'.

The Dictionary of Western Australian Immigrants merely shows him as 'John Richard Gray, son of James [sic] (painter) (Widower) mar. 2nd 7/9/1872 (C/E.) Marie, d. of James, (Farmer). Warder 1872. (13 years service.) C. of E.'

Edward GRENNAN - Rode in the Charge

Edward Grennan was born at Maryborough, Co. Queen's, Ireland, and enlisted at Athlone in October of 1849, at the age of 18 years into the 4th Light Dragoons. He was discharged from Cahir, Ireland, in October 1861 after 11 years service, being: 'Medically unfit for further service. Has varicose veins. The disease started about 18 months ago and may be attributed to pre-disposition and to some extent to his military service.'

He was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava', 'Inkerman' and 'Sebastopol'.

He went to Australia on 1 November 1862, having gone from the Killkenny, Ireland, Pension District.

In 1895, a Mr Creamer (of Brisbane) wrote to Mr T H Roberts asking him to nominate a Light Brigade veteran to go to Australia. There were no applicants, all being too old to undertake the journey. He wrote again in 1897, after hearing of plans to invite the men who rode in the Charge to witness the Jubilee procession: 'An old Light Brigade man died in the Immigrant's Home at Melbourne a few months since. He wrote me a very nice letter before he died. He had been bedridden for some few years or he would have come and lived with me, but it was too late when I heard from him. His name was Edward Grennan of the 4th Q O Light Dragoons. He held certificates from Lord George Paget and other officers'.

Grennan died on 14 December 1896 and was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery. Dr Kenny, of Melbourne, has provided details from the burial records. These show him as Edward Grennan, aged 60 years, a pensioner living in Royal Park, the home belonging to the Immigrants Aid Society, and the funeral being paid for by the Secretary (and owner of the Right of Burial) to a total of 4 [pounds sterling]/13/-.

A Roman Catholic, he was interred in Grave No. 58a in Plot D. on 16 December 1896. The erected ledger stone, cross and headstone are of roughly dressed bluestone. The only inscription on the ledger stone is 'To One of the Noble Six Hundred', but on the marble slab on the headstone is written, 'In memory of Edward Grennan, native of Queen's Co. Ireland, who as a soldier of the 4th Light Dragoons fought at Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol and also with the Light Brigade at Balaclava. He died at Royal Park, Melbourne, 14th December 1896, aged 61 years. May God have mercy on his soul.'

James NEAL - Rode in the Charge

James Neal was born in the parish of St. Luke's, London, he enlisted at Hounslow on 8 August 1851 into the 8th Hussars at the age of 18, his trade being that of a hatter. He served in all ranks from Pte to Quarter-Master Sgt. But reverting to Sgt. 'at his own request', he was appointed to Sgt. I/c. Musketry before being discharged 'Free to pension after 21 years service' from Longford, Ireland in November of 1873.

His wife was Eliza Neal. She is shown on the Regtl. 'Married roll' from 9 October 1856. There were no known children in the family. His wife was an Acting School-Mistress in the Regimental School at one period.

Neal was to live in Coupar, Scotland, but was living in Perth, Australia, from 1875. He was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava', 'Inkerman' and 'Sebastopol'.

Neal was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, being recommended for it on 12 January 1855 and receiving a gratuity of 10 [pounds sterling]. It is not known under what circumstances this was awarded. He was also awarded the Mutiny medal with clasp 'Central India', and the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

John Thomas BAMBRICK - Rode in the Charge

John Thomas Bambrick was born in Shajupre, India, on 6 February 1832, the son of Troop Sgt Major John Bambrick of the 11th Light Dragoons and his wife Harriet Ann. He was baptised at Meerut on 14 March 1832. He enlisted into the Rifle Brigade in September 1849, joining the 2nd Bn at Parkhurst on the Isle of Wight, and transferred to the 11th Hussars on 1 March 1850, before again being transferred to the 2nd Life Guards on the 31 of July 1857. He was discharged from Windsor in September 1858.

Bambrick was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava', 'Inkerman' and 'Sebastopol'. He was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour (5th Class), shown in the London Gazette for 4 August 1856 as for 'bravery at Balaclava.' It states: 'Rode next to 1495 Sgt. Robert Davies at Balaclava and endeavoured to help him capture a Russian gun that the crew was trying to get away from the field of battle. His horse was later killed under him.'

He emigrated to Australia and died at Bourke, NSW, on 17 October 1893, recorded as being aged 65 years. However, his date of birth would have made him only 61. The cause of death was stated as 'Asthma, (2 years)'. He was buried in Grave No. 91. Church of England Section, in Bourne Cemetery. No plan of this cemetery is now in existence and no memorial stone was erected.

Samuel SAMER - Rode in the Charge

Samuel Samer was born at Littlebury, Essex. Although no baptismal entry can yet be found for him, he was most probably a son of John Seamer and his wife Amy (nee Abrahams), who were married at Littlebury on 18 April 1824. He enlisted at Coventry on 26 November 1849 into the 11th Hussars at the age of 18.

Severely wounded in action at Balaclava and being invalided to England (via Malta), he was discharged from the Invalid Depot at Chatham in May of 1855: 'Being considered unfit for further military service. Disabled by the contraction of right elbow joint and loss of power of hands from a gun-shot wound of firearm received at Balaclava.'

He emigrated to Australia (Melbourne) some time in 1857. He was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava', and 'Sebastopol'.

The Melbourne Argus of 2 June 1899 provided the following obituary:

'Samuel Seamer [sic] whose death occurred on Wednesday last at the Kew Lunatic Asylum was one of the Light Brigade in 1853 [sic]. Samuel Seamer was born 74 years ago at Littlebury Green, in the village of Saffron Walden, Essex. At the age of 17 he went to Kent and enlisted into the 11th Hussars. It is extremely possible that he saw service in some other lands besides the Crimea, for in his description record taken at the time of his entry into the Lunatic Department his wounds appear so many that one campaign could scarcely account for them all.

'Seamer had a large scar on the left shoulder, apparently a slash from a sword, a bullet wound distorting the bones of his right forearm, a stab wound in the left temple, in all probability the injury which caused him to lose his reason, a stab wound on the outer part of the left thigh and other small wounds over his body and arms. What a stirring picture could be conjured up by these scars, and yet the records are silent on the matter. Seamer was pensioned off in 1856 and drew 8d. per day from the Imperial Government until he arrived in Australia a year or so after. Here it quickly made itself manifest that he was suffering from some mental disorder and eventually his dementia became so pronounced that he was committed to the Lunatic Asylum.

'During the 39 years he passed there the old man could tell but very little about himself. He was not, like most patients, sane on all subjects save one. The past seems to have been a blank for him and he could give no account of his history, although at times his uncontrolled imagination saw the Valley of Death before him once again and caused him to cry out to his old comrades, many now long since dead and gone, whom he felt riding by his side, to tackle the Russians once more. But as a rule the old man was quiet and moody and had nothing to say and it is now long since that he called upon the ghostly regiments of his youth. During his last few years he sat in silent melancholia ...'

He was buried in Grave No 1177, Compartment A of the Church of England Section of the Cemetery at Boroondara and a memorial stone was erected. The title of the plot belongs to the Master in Lunacy and although the burials of those under his control were usually public and unmarked, his grave is a private one. From this he either left an estate sufficient to cover these expenses or arrangements were made with relatives.

Henry Dyson NAYLOR - Rode in the Charge

Henry Dyson Naylor was born at Mildenhall, Suffolk, he was baptised in Mildenhall Parish Church on 12 July 1835, the second son of Thomas Naylor and his wife Eliza. His parents were married at Mildenhall on 13 October 1832. He enlisted at Westminster on 1 November 1851, at the age of 16 years 5 months. Wounded in action at Balaclava, he was 'sent on board ship without seeing the surgeon', and was discharged from Chatham Invalid Depot on 23 October 1855.

Naylor was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava', and 'Sebastopol'. His records state: 'Unfit for further service from disfigurement of the face by fracture of lower jaw at Balaclava. Also from gun-shot wound of shoulder.'

He was originally awarded a pension of 1/per day but this was later increased to 1/6d per day following '15 years service in the Enrolled Force' in Western Australia, on 18 January 1881, and further increased on 4 April 1893.

The Army and Navy Gazette for 8 May 1894 provides:

'We learn from Australia of the death of Henry Dyson Naylor, aged 60. At the time of his death he was a Cpl. in the Fremantle Infantry Corps. He enlisted at the age of 16 years, and three years later he rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade, being seriously wounded, one of the wounds being caused by a cannon rammer which struck him in the loins this caused him pain until his death, which was largely due to the effects of his wounds.

He was sent home from the Crimea, and discharged in 1855. Naylor was then employed as second coachman by the Maharajah Duleep Singh. He then went to Western Australia in charge of prisoners in 1862, and for some years was employed as a night warder at Fremantle Prison, The local Militia gave him a military funeral, and most of the shops closed as a mark of respect ...'

He died in Fremantle on 26 March 1894, from 'Influenza, Mob Cordis, Exhaustion', aged 59 years.

In Queen Victoria's Maharajah by Duleep Singh at pp 60-61 it is stated: 'Another servant, a handsome young dragoon, who had been in the Charge of the Light Brigade, at Balaclava, was one of the sights of Perthshire as he strode through the village (Castle Menzies) with all his medals jangling on the Maharajah's blue and green livery ...'

Knowing that Henry Naylor had been employed by Duleep Singh, was he, perhaps, 'this handsome young dragoon'?

The Colonial Military Gazette (Australia) for January 1893 stated:

'Colonel Fleming, (commanding the Western Australian District) inspected the Fremantle Rifles on their own ground and expressed a favourable opinion regarding the Corps. The Colonel was introduced to a veteran soldier, Cpl. Naylor, who rode in the ranks of the 13th Light Dragoons at the battle of Balaclava. The Colonel extended a hearty handshake and made many enquiries regarding the old soldier ...'

The July 1893 edition of the Colonial Military Gazette stated:

'Recently an application was made to the War Office for an increase in pension for Cpl. Naylor, now of the Fremantle Rifles, but who had formerly served in the Balaclava Charge. As he enjoys the sum of 1/6d. per day pension, the reply was that "no further award can be given either by the War Office, or Chelsea ...'

The Dictionary of Western Australian Immigrants 1829-1924 shows him as:

'Naylor, Henry Dyson. Bn. 1836, Dd. (Fremantle) 26/3/1894. Son of Thomas Dyson. Arrived per the "Norwood" 9/6/1862 as Enrolled Pensioner Guard, with family. Marr. (England) Henrietta Wells. Private, 13th Light Dragoons Veteran and Crimean War and Chelsea Pensioner. Stationed at Fremantle, posted briefly to Camden Harbour in 1865. Promoted Cpl. in 1881. In 1876 granted Loc. PS/20 acres at Koojee, but lived in Fremantle, where he was employed as a butler. C. of E. by religion.'

The Norwood was a ship of 849 tons under the command of Captain Frederick Bristow. She had left Portland for Australia on 16 March 1862, carrying 382 passengers (both bond and free) including 21 Enrolled Pensioner Guards with 38 wives and children.

Naylor went to Camden Harbour aboard the Tien Tsin on 17 January 1865, where he remained until 29 October 1865. He was part of a Government force of police, pensioners and labourers who were sent to join the settlement that had been established there some months. The country was found to be inhospitable and unfit for stock, so much so that no more than a thousand sheep of the four and half thousand sheep originally taken there were left. It was decided to abandon the settlement and those remaining (the great majority had returned, dispirited, to Melbourne by July of 1865) returned to Fremantle.

Naylor was on the EPF Roll (Fremantle detachment) on its disbandment in November 1880. He was selected to be recruited as an Enrolled Guard (now under Police control and its members sworn in as Special Constables). Its main duties were to furnish a Guard for the Convict Prison and Magazine at Fremantle and a Guard for Government House. The strength of the unit was one Sergeant Major, three Sergeants, three Warders, five Corporals and 37 Privates.

As an Enrolled Guard, Naylor occupied quarters in No 1 Barrack, Fremantle, with his wife and four children, from 19 November 1880.

He was promoted to Corporal on 2 April 1881.

There is a record in 1881 of, 'Has had Koojee Loc. P8 since 1876. Will effect improvements as soon as possible', and on 5 August 1884, 'Grant of Cockburn Sound, Loc. P8 of 20 acres at Koojee confirmed'.

Naylor was on the roll of the Enrolled Guard at its disbandment on 31 March 1887. He was then aged 51 and held the rank of Corporal.

A newspaper report of the time said:

'On 3 February 1869 HRH Prince Alfred, son of Queen Victoria, visited Western Australia aboard HMS Galatea and on every occasion when HRH drove out the escort consisted of six well-mounted and uniformed efficient Dragoon Pensioners, clothed, armed and equipped as Hussars, under the able direction of Major Crampton. Each of the men had borne his part in one or more great battles and one exhibited across his face a sabre cut received in the renowned Balaclava charge.'

This was Henry Dyson Naylor from the 13th Dragoons, of whom the local journal relates that during the inspection of his escort, 'HRH saw the deep scar on the face of one man, a cicatrized memento of Balaclava.'

James SEDGEWICK - Possibly rode in the Charge

James Sedgewick was born at Chatham, Kent, and christened on 12 March 1820 at the Ebenezer or Great Meeting House Independent Chapel in Clover Street, Chatham, the son of William Sedgewick, a carrier, and his wife Mary.

Enlisting at Maidstone into the 4th Light Dragoons in March of 1836 at the age of 19 years, he was discharged from Dublin after 24 years service (some four years of which had been spent in India previous to the Crimean campaign) with a pension of 1/1d per day and intending to live in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Sedgewick was awarded the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava', 'Inkerman' and 'Sebastopol'. He was also awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal and the medal for Ghuznee.

He was known to be in Brisbane from 1 April 1875. The Brisbane Daily Mail in July 1906 said: '11th of July Mr. James Sedgwick, the Balaclava veteran, to whom reference was made in these columns a few weeks back, has died in the Brisbane General Hospital and was buried at the Goondra Cemetery yesterday.'

From his death certificate, he died in the Brisbane Hospital on 9 July 1906, aged 87 years, from 'Senile decay. Heart failure.' It confirms his birthplace as being in Kent, his father's surname and trade, that he was an Imperial Army Pensioner, had been living in Queensland for 22 years, and that he was interred in Goodna Cemetery on 10 July 1906. Although it was also shown he had living relatives, none were specified.

In 1995 a former member of the Tank Corps was visiting his mother's grave in Goodna Cemetery, Queensland, Australia, and looking around the oldest (and much neglected and vandalised) part of the cemetery found Sedgewick's grave. The headstone was filthy and cracked and the inscription on it difficult to decipher. Reporting this to the RHQ of the Royal Irish Hussars, financial help was given in getting the stone cleaned and repaired, the iron railings around it being also repainted. The inscription on the headstone now reads:

Sacred to the memory of James Sedgewick 4th Light Dragoons, Now 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars Who served his country with honour And took part in the Charge of Balaclava Died July 9th 1906 Aged 87 years Erected by the officers, warrant officers, NCO's and men of his Regiment As a tribute of esteem To a very old and worthy comrade.

Charles DALTON - Possibly rode in the Charge

Charles Dalton was born in the parish of St. Luke's, Chelsea. He enlisted at Westminster in March 1850 at the age of 18 years into the 8th Hussars and was discharged from Calcutta, India, in September 1863 after 12 years service. The records give no indication of when, or how, he returned to England.

He was entitled (according to the medal rolls) to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Inkerman' and 'Sebastopol', and the Mutiny medal with clasp 'Central India'. Although he was not shown as being entitled to the Balaclava clasp, he was allowed to become a member of the Balaclava Commemoration Society in 1879, and this would imply that he did indeed ride in the Charge.

He is said to have emigrated to Australia aboard the Northern [sic] circa 1863-64 (no ship of this name can be found listed, but there was a ship called the Northam which made four voyages to Sydney in 1863 and the same number in 1864, but a Charles Dalton is not listed among the passengers). He is said to have married an Irish girl (Jessie FitzSimmons), born in Armagh, County Armagh, at Christ Church, St. Lawrence, Sidney, on 6 June 1865. Nine children were born into the family, the last seven being at Government House, where Charles Dalton was in charge of the Governor's escort. On his death he was buried in the Church of

England Cemetery at Balgowlah, Manley. His wife died in 1919. A family tombstone exists in Manley Cemetery and has the following inscriptions on it: 'Charles Dalton, late of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars and for 25 years in charge of the Governor's Escort, N S Wales. Born London 24th Nov 1832. Died Balgowlah, 5th February 1891. Served in the Crimea and Turkey at Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol, and in India at the Siege of Kotah, Recapture of Chundaree, Kotah Ki Seria, Capture of Gwalior, Powrie, Sindwah and Koonory. Also Jessie, beloved wife of the above Died 17th December 1919, aged 81 years. Also Emily Emma Sarah Jordan, who passed away 31st Aug. 1965, aged 84.'

Hugh Massey STEELE - Possibly rode in the Charge

Hugh Massey Steele was born at Rathdowney (Airlie) Co. Queen's, Ireland. He enlisted at Dublin on 22 April 1845 into the 8th Hussars at the age of 18 years 2 months. He was discharged from Chatham Invalid Depot on 12 July 1855, being, 'Disabled by lameness after frost bite of the great toes of both feet in the Crimea.'

He was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps 'Alma', 'Balaclava', 'Inkerman' and 'Sebastopol'.

Steele lived in Melbourne from 10 October 1857.

Article from the Windsor and Richmond Gazette, published in October of 1888, said:

'A Neglected Hero Few people living but are acquainted, more or less fully, with the facts of the splendid feat in arms, immortalised by Tennyson and which will be known in history, when every individual hero of it shall be laid to rest, as "The Charge of the Light Brigade."

It is not generally known that we have in Cootamundra, says an exchange, one of the gallant 600, who rode into the very jaws of death with "cannons to the right of them, cannons to the left of them, cannons in front of them, " in the person of H Steele, a vendor of oranges! This may sound like coming down from the sublime to the ridiculous, but so it is.

Mr Steele generally has about him the proud mementoes of the glorious campaign in the Crimea, in the shape of two silver medals, one being presented by Queen Victoria in person, bearing the name, his regiment (8th K R Hussars) also, on four silver lines, the names of the four great features of that campaign, Sebastopol, Inkerman, Balaclava and Alma.

The other medal was presented by the Sultan of Turkey, "La Crimea, 1855; One of the 600." Not more than a third of them came out of that singular dash. England, as a rule, treats her heroes great and small, rich and poor, handsomely; but since the remote days of princely annuities have been paid to the Marlborough's [sic] down to the good for nothing Duke of the present day, and it appears to us high time that some of these ancient heroes were knocked off the roll, and better justice done to the latter day warriors. One shilling a day to a corporal, and one of the few remaining 600 heroes, looks mean and unworthy of the Mother country.'

The Cootamundra Herald newspaper for 25 September 1886 said:

'The 23rd anniversary [sic] of the battle of the Alma was celebrated in Sydney on Monday night, Sergeant Dalton [see his record] of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars, having called a few old comrades together for the purpose. We may also state that the event was toasted also in Cootamundra by a couple of Crimean heroes Corporal O'Dwyer, who was engaged at the battle of the Alma, of Muttama, and our town hero (Steel) of Cardigan's Light Brigade.'

He died at Cootamundra on 16 January 1894, aged 66 years, from 'Senile Decay, about 12 months'. His occupation was recorded as Retired Gaol Warder. He had been very feeble and ailing for some considerable time. The newspaper death notice said: 'Death. We have to record the death of Mr. Hugh Steele, the veteran soldier, of this town. He had been very feeble and ailing for some considerable time. He leaves a widow and a grown family'.

His death certificate shows him as having lived in Australia for 33 years, and left a widow and four children (one being deceased), their ages ranging from 9 to 21 years. He was buried in Cootamundra Cemetery on 19 January 1894. He was of the Methodist religion.

Arthur BERKLEMAN Possibly rode in the Charge

Arthur Berkleman was born at Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland. He enlisted into the 87th Fusiliers at Cork on 9 May 1844 at the age of 16 years, his trade being that of a clerk, and transferred to the 17th Lancers at Paisley on 1 July 1846. He was discharged from Portobello Barracks at Dublin on 27 November 1856. A medical report upon 871 Corporal Arthur Berkleman, 17th Lancers said:

'This man is considered unfit for the service and never likely to become efficient in consequence of very extensive varix of the veins of the legs. In 1853 he was relieved from duty at Kensington as he was unable to ride on account of this varicose condition. He did no mounted duty for a long period. His disability has been produced in the service and is attributable to mounted service. His disability has not been aggravated by vice or misconduct."

He was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for 'Alma', 'Balaclava' and 'Sebastopol'.

He lived in the Tralee Pension District of Ireland before going to Sydney, NSW. His pension was paid at Tralee up to 31 March 1858. He was in NSW until his pension expired on 6 February 1860. In the Pension Office Records for Tralee there is an entry during the April-June quarter of 1857 of an out-going letter listing those men on the pension-rolls who were eligible and willing to go to Australia as guards on convict-ships. There is no documentary proof that Berkleman went out to Australia by this means, only the date to when his pension was paid in that particular district. But subsequent events have made this a possibility. It has not yet been possible to discover the exact date of his arrival in Australia.

Berkleman died at Newtown, Windsor, NSW, on 13 January 1904 at the age of 74 years, from 'Cardiac disease'. The death certificate confirms that he was born at Killarney, Ireland, and that he was the son of John Lewis Berkleman, a Military Officer, and his wife Frances, nee Herbert. He was buried in the Church of England Cemetery at Windsor on 14 January 1904 and a gravestone was erected. An obituary notice and funeral report from The Gazette for Saturday the 23rd of January 1904 stated:

"No more respected or esteemed personality than the late Mr. Arthur Berckelman, senr. has ever been called from amongst us. As was briefly stated last week, he passed peacefully away on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning after a long and honoured career, at the age of 74 years.

As was well known, Mr. Berckelman, was a Crimean and Balaclava soldier and his home at Newtown, Windsor, was called "Balaclava" in memory of the memorable "Charge of the Light Brigade" in which he took part. He was a man of wonderful vitality and retentive memory, and his graphic descriptions of the scenes on the battlefield which he had witnessed and the adventures he had passed through the very recital of them made strong men quail.

Like his familiar figure straight and upright so was his character. During our long residence at Windsor we have never heard one harsh word spoken against the late Mr Berckelman, but we have heard many high words paid to his honesty, his manliness and his goodness of heart. And he never uttered a harsh word against his fellowmen.

His end was a peaceful one. Up to the last he was able to get about quite nimbly, and retired to rest as usual on the night of his death and probably passed away in his sleep. He held two war-medals, for distinguished service in the Crimean and Franco-Prussian [sic] wars respectively. He leaves behind a widow and family than whom none are more respected in the district.'

A newspaper report of unknown origin (but believed to be from one circulating in the Canterbury, New Zealand, area around May/June of 1890) and found in a "scrap-book" formerly belonging to James W. Wightman of the 17th Lancers, states:

'The "Noble Six Hundred" Now that so much painful interest has been revived in the famous "Charge of the Light Brigade", it will be interesting to learn the impressions made by that memorable affair upon one who actually took part in the Charge. We learn from the Australian Star that at an entertainment at Windsor, New South Wales, the other day Tennyson's poem was recited and at the close Mr M A Berilman [sic], a "Light Brigade" survivor, gave his personal experiences.

'He said that previous to the famous charge the Light Brigade was located adjacent to the Russian posts, and did all they could to make them commence hostilities. On the eventful morning the Russians came on and appeared to him to be in endless numbers. After various manoeuvres the order came for the Light Brigade to go at them, and all were surprised.

The Six Hundred sat as firm as rocks, and had nought to do but obey the order and advance. When halfway across the plain, the narrator saw fire belch forth from the cannon in front, little thinking that the Russians had also cannon on the right and left, which opened up a cross-fire, soon after which a piece of shell hit his horse's chest, and he lay there for some time, stunned.

When he recovered he found his comrades had gone, and looking around saw the Cossacks busy and riderless horses everywhere, and with prostrated men on every side. He went to catch a horse and a cannon ball knocked the dust up at his feet. He caught a horse and when mounting him two Cossacks went for him. He kept them on the right, and one, the more daring, rushed him and the narrator's lance went right through his body and nearly unseated him.

They were recalled, and though it was considered presumption for 600 men to tackle 35, 000 their end had been accomplished, though with a great sacrifice, for when they mustered there was only a handful of the gallant band remaining. Others had been mown down by the relentless fire of the enemy. The narrator came out without a scratch. The narrator was attentively listened to and much applauded'.

Richard HOURIGAN

Richard Hourigan was born at Lathen, Co. Tipperary, in May of 1820, and enlisted into the 3rd Light Dragoons at Limerick in October 1836 at the age 16 years. He was promoted to Sergeant by February 1848, and he transferred to the 4th Light Dragoons in March of 1855. On being tried by a Regimental Court-martial on 11 February 1858, he was sentenced 'to be reduced to the rank and pay of a private dragoon', but this sentence was remitted, and he was 'to remain as Sgt.'

He had a long campaign service period, being entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp 'Sebastopol', the Sutlej medal with clasps 'Moodkee', 'Ferozeshuhur', and 'Sobraon', (he was wounded in action at Ferozeshuhur on 21 December 1845) and the Punjab medal with clasps 'Chilianwala' and 'Goojerat'.

Hourigan was discharged after serving 24 years, in June 1862, with a pension of 2/per day. He was living in Perth, Australia, from March of 1864, Adelaide from April 1867 and again in Perth from November of 1874.

The Dictionary of Western Australia Immigrants 1850-1880, states only that he was born in 1823 [sic] and arrived in Fremantle as an Enrolled Pensioner Guard. A later edition of the same book adds: 'Shown on E.P.F. roll, aged 57, 21 of August 1880. Purchased barrack bedding and furniture from Q.M. Stores, Fremantle. 1 of December 1880. Escorted 2 deserters from H.M.S. "Miranda" to Adelaide per the "Rob Roy" and received free passage for this service. Was sworn in as a Special Constable for this task 11 January 1881.'

He is not included in the list of men comprising the 'Enrolled Guard' which was formed on 11 November 1880, following the dissolution of the Pensioner Force.

Charles WILSON

Charles Wilson enlisted at London on 14 December 1854 into the 11th Hussars at the age of 37 (at this age he most probably had seen service before). He was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp 'Sebastopol'.

In a letter home by one Major Maxwell Earle of the 57th Foot, dated 13 December 1855, it is stated: 'A dreadful tragedy took place at Kamiesch a day or two ago. A Sgt. of the 11th Hussars found a deserter whom he had been sent in search of in a public house. The Sergt. ordered the man to surrender himself, which the latter refused to do; whereupon the former drew a pistol and without another word shot the deserter dead. The question is, whether the Sergeant was justified in doing as he did, or is it a case of 'Homicide'? Under the circumstances I should say the latter'.

He was tried by a General Court-martial at Scutari on the 27 of December 1855 for murder and was sentenced to 14 years transportation. General Orders for the 29th of December 1855 stated:

'At a General Court-martial held at Camp before Sebastopol, Sgt. Charles Wilson was tried on the following charges For that he did, at Kamiesch in the Crimea on, or about the 10th of December 1855, both feloniously and wilfully, etc. etc., kill and murder, one John Forrest.

Sergeant Wilson was then stationed at Kamisech (or Kasatch) on some detached duty with the Telegraph and orderlies under the command of Captain Bugden and appears to have been reported by Forrest for not paying what he owed for drink at a kind of cafe where Forrest was employed.

This created an ill-feeling, and as Forrest was known to be a deserter, Sgt. Wilson, out of spite, rode up and told Forrest to follow him, as he was a deserter. At this the deceased man asked him for his authority, saying at the same time, that if he was a deserter, what business it was of his. The Sgt. told him that if he did not follow him he would shoot him, at which the deceased turned round and told him to "Shoot away." Wilson there and then drew his pistol from its holster and shot him dead.

'Most think that this was either a case for acquittal or death according to the circumstances brought before the Court-martial. The Court found the prisoner "Guilty of manslaughter" and having received evidence of his previous good conduct do now adjudicate that "he be transported for a term of 14 years".

'The sentence was later confirmed by the General Commanding the Forces'.

The Prison Registers for Millbank Prison in London show the following:

'2520 Charles Wilson. Late a Sgt. in the 11th Hussars. Convicted by a General Courtmartial at Scutari on the 27th of December 1855, of "Manslaughter" (Shooting a deserter) and was sentenced to 14 years "transportation".'

Removed to Portland Prison on 12 March 1857, the Portland Prison Registers showing the following: 'No. 6786. Charles Wilson. Convicted of manslaughter by a General Court Martial held at General Headquarters, Sebastopol on the 27th December 1855 and embarking aboard "The Nile" for Western Australia on 10 September 1857. 270 male convicts were sent out aboard this ship.'

The Dictionary of Western Australia Immigrants (Bond). 1830-68, shows the following: 'Charles Wilson. Born 1818. Married Labourer Literate Protestant Convict Convicted Central Criminal Court 1857 [not so] Manslaughter, 14 years arr. "Nile" 1/1/58. Convict No. 4523. T.L. 26/3/1859 C.P. July 1861, (Perth).'

(The Ticket of Leave was granted to men on probation freeing them to seek their own work if they so wished, but with the obligation of reporting each month to the local Resident Magistrate and not leaving the district without permission. C P (conditional pardon) freed a man from this restriction but he was not permitted to return to England until his full term of sentence had expired. However, many C P men left Western Australia for the Eastern Colonies, where objections to this were raised.)

>Walter RANDALL

Walter Randall was born in Swansea. He enlisted at London into the 11th Hussars on 14 December 1854. at the age of 18 and joined the regiment in the Crimea on 25 May 1855. He transferred to the 17th Lancers at Hounslow on 1 September 1855. He had Regimental No 156.

He was granted 'free discharge' from Canterbury on 14 April 1872. He was entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp 'Sebastopol', and the Mutiny medal without clasp.

The Dictionary of Western Australia Immigrants 1850-1924 merely shows him as, 'Arrived as Enrolled Pensioner Guard. Formerly Private, 17th Lancers'.

He appears on the Nominal Roll of surviving members of the Enrolled Pensioner Force of Western Australia entertained at a Banquet held at St George's Hall in Perth on 28 June 1897 as part of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and was then shown as possessing the Crimea, Crimea-Turkish, and Indian Mutiny medals. From the date of his discharge he could not have gone out as a guard on the convict ships (these ending in January 1868) but could easily have joined the E.P.F. before its disbandment in 1880, although he is not shown on the final Nominal Roll of the Enrolled Guard on its disbandment on 31 March 1887.

[Source: EJ Boys, "The Australian graves of Crimean War Light Brigade veterans", Sabretache, the journal of the Military Historical Society of Australia (2000 [sic?]), available online at http://chargeofthelightbrigade.com/furtherinfo/sabretache/sabretache.html.]