The following appeared in the Evening News, October 27th 1877, under the heading "Twenty Years Ago":
"A Very Romantic Story"
"Our Limerick correspondent writes: A singular rumour has gained considerable currency here to the effect that the late Viscount, that gallant cavalry officer who was supposed to have fallen in the celebrated charge of the Six Hundred at Balaclava, did not meet the fate which was generally, if not absolutely, believed, but on the contrary he is at this moment on his way home to claim his estates.
It was never ascertained whether the Viscount was killed or not, the fact of his never having been heard of since being the only one that removed almost any doubt as to his fatal end.
It is now stated that when last seen he was leaning on his horse, apparently wounded: that he was taken prisoner by the Russians and shortly after, for some insult alleged to have been given to a Russian officer, was transported to Siberia, whence, his term of exile having expired, he is returning to Ireland.
A statue of him adorns the Wesley [Wellesley] Bridge.
The Dublin Express."
[PB: Presumably the Evening News was quoting the Dublin Express, in which the article had originally appeared? Check.]
From the Naval and Military Gazette, 21st November 1877, quoting the Yorkshire Post:
"The Yorkshire Post is responsible for the following — One or two reports have gained currency to the effect that Lord Fitzgibbon, who was supposed to have been killed in the Balaclava Charge, has returned to England, he not having been shot dead, but taken prisoner, and for an insult to a Russian officer, sent to Siberia.
It has also been stated that since his return he has paid a visit to Hounslow Barracks, where his regiment — the 8th Hussars — is stationed, and that Colonel Mussenden and Quarter-Master Sergeant Hefferon (formerly Lord Fitzgibbon's servant) had recognised him.
However, Quarter-Master Sergeant Hefferon and late Trumpet-Major Grey, who were with "C" Troop and Lord Fitzgibbon when he took the place of Lord Cardigan's aide-de-camp (Captain Lockwood) and led the troop down in the ever memorable charge, say they were close to him when, not long after the commencement of the charge, they saw him struck in the chest, almost at the same moment, by two bullets, and they distinctly recollect him losing hold of his sword (which was prevented from falling to the ground by a strap which secured it to his arm), virtually clasping his hands to his breast, and crying out, 'Oh, my God, my God. I am shot.'
With what they believed to be his dying breath he exhorted all of his men not to linger, saying to them, 'Go on, Go on.' Thus everyone believed of him that he died a hero.
He was shot dead soon after the death of Captain Nolan. He had £25 on him, which was part of the £50 served out on the morning of the fatal charge, to "C" Troop.
It may be added that when the soldiers came back, Trumpet-Major Grey and several others searched for his body, but it was never found.
If Lord Fitzgibbon really is in the country, as alleged, the officers and men of the 8th Hussars who knew him wish to know why he has been so backward in calling upon them. They would be glad to see him as he must know he was beloved of them all. The officers who would easily recognise him and greet him with open arms are, General De Salis, Colonel Mussenden, and Lieutenant Harrison (late of the 8th Hussars.)
For the information of those who could come into contact with him it can be stated that Lord Fitzgibbon was tall — 5 feet 10 inches in height, with a fair complexion and was slim in stature. He had a cast in the left eye, and was in the habit of wearing a glass. If alive now, he would be upwards of forty years of age."
However, some days earlier, on Monday 22 October 1877, the Dundee Courier reported a (largely) sceptical statement from 1153 William Fulton, 8th Hussars, who rode in Fitzgibbon's troop:
THE FATE OF VISCOUNT FITZGIBBON
A few days ago we printed a singular rumour that tho late Viscount Fitzgibbon, that gallant cavalry officer who was supposed to have fallen in the celebrated charge of the
Six Hundred at Balaclava, did not meet tho fate which was really believed, but, on the contrary, he is having completed a term of exile in Siberia. In reference to this report a Dublin newspaper has received the following:
"Sir, — I observe from the news-papers a statement to the effect that Viscount Fitzgibbon, the only son of the Earl of Clare, a lieutenant in C troop of the Bth Hussars, and one of the Six Hundred who took part in the Balaclava charge, is now returning from Siberia.
It may interest your readers to know that I can prove that Lord Fitzgibbon was one of the Six Hundred, and was shot alongside of me, and was never heard of afterwards.
I recollect that the morning morning before the Balaclava Charge he gave every man of his troop a pound of tobacco.
Just before going into action I happened to go in front of the line some distance, when Lieutenant Fitzgibbon and Sergeant-Major Maclure were sent by Colonel Sewell to bring me back, as he thought I was in danger.
On going into the charge, Denis Haneran of C troop [ 939 Sergeant Denis Hanrahan, 8th Hussars], was shot on my right, and fell over his horse, his left spur striking the horse of Lord Fitzgibbon, and making it rear heavily. I was forced into the second rank, and almost immediately afterwards Lord Fitzgibbon was shot.
If he is alive and in London on the 25th October, I shall be glad to see him at the Balaclava banquet, to be held at the Freemasons' Tavern. — W. S. J. Fulton, late private C troop, 8th King's Royal Irish Hussar*. 2 private C troop, 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars. 2 Salisbury Square, Edinburgh.".
Fitzgibbon: Was he Kipling's "The Man Who Was"?
After hearing about one of these alleged sightings, in India, Rudyard Kipling is said to have created "The Man Who Was". This story first appeared in Macmillan's Magazine and Harper's Weekly in April 1890.
The full text, with notes, can be found at http://www.kipling.org.uk/rg_manwhowas1.htm(accessed 10.1.2013).
According to the notes, the name of the central character — "Lieutenant Austin Limmason" — may itself be a disguised form of 'Fitzgibbon': 'Fitz' meaning 'son of', and lemur being a type of monkey, as is a gibbon. An ingenious suggestion.