Born according to [military record ?] at Walton near Ipswich [but more specifically, Frimley St Mary, near Felixstowe, Suffolk, which is smaller and very close] on the 24th of September 1828, the son of Henry Wilkin, Esq. and Catherine Eliza Wilkin, nee Collett.
[PB: There are clear suggestions that he came from long lines of doctors/surgeons on both sides of his family e.g. the illustrious Cockles. Follow up. See e.g. Sally Irvine, Surgeons and Apothecaries in Suffolk, 1750-1830: City Slickers and Country Bumpkins - Exploring Medical Myths, PhD, University of East Anglia, 2011, which mentions Henry Wilkin [father?] and the Cockles. It can be downloaded here. See also a number of Ancestry.com family trees for leads.]
Trimley is wrongly named "Frimley" in the British Museum catalogue (Museum no. 1871,0812.3010).
[PB: HW is also recorded (e.g. 1851 Census) as having been born in Trimley St Mary, very close to Walton.]
Where and when did HJW train as a surgeon?]
1851 Census
39, Connaught Terrace, St John's Paddington, Marylebone, Middlesex.
Henry Wilkin, 48, Surgeon MRCS London, born Bloot [sic?] Hall, Essex.
Catherine Wilkin, 43, wife, Walton, Suffolk.
Henry J Wilkin, 22, son, Frimley, Suffolk.
Frederick Wilkin, 15, son, Walton, Suffolk.
Edward Wilkin, 14, son, Walton, Suffolk.
Adelaide Wilkin, 20, daughter, Walton, Suffolk.
Elizabeth Wilkin, 19, daughter, Walton, Suffolk.
William V Blake, 27, Surgeon, MRCS London, St Asaph [?] N Wales.
Charlotte Driver, 28, Cook, Wolverstone, Suffolk.
Mary Westerby, 25, Nurse, Colchester, Essex, Deaf.
Susan Wadley, 17, Nurse, Haddingfield [?], Suffolk.
[http://mapco.net/london.htm]
[PB: Connaught Terrace ran along the western side of Edgware Road, between Upper Berkeley Street and [Titchbourne Street?]. (Close to Connaught Square etc and Marble Arch (from 1851) and Hyde Park, an area sometimes called "Tyburnia" after the site of the gallows/public executions. On Connaught Terrace and the development and social character of the area in general, see http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/middx/vol9/pp190-198. Notice the phrase "consulting rooms":
"Social change had nonetheless taken place in Edgware Road, where north of the Mitre tavern Connaught Terrace, stretching to Titchborne Street, had in 1845, although containing a stables and two lodging houses, consisted mainly of private houses, some used by professional men. By 1863 most of the terrace had been taken for shops, offices, or consulting rooms and in 1868 its buildings were renumbered as part of Edgware Road."
Notice e.g. Connaught Terrace included consulting rooms and stables. When did the Wilkins family move to Connaught Terrace, and how long were they there? Didn't Henry Wilkin moved back to the area with Maria, when they arrived from India in [?].
It would seem that the Wilkins home was also a clinic. Notice the presence of a young surgeon and of two live-in "nurses".
Presumably Henry's sibs were all born in his mother's (probably rather healthier) family home in Walton, Suffolk.
- other sibs
- mother died 1852, just after HJW joined the 11th Hussars.
See, https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/12820620/person/120033645228/facts (20.7.2017).
HJW's mother's will is online here: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D34817 (20.7.2017).]
The Wellcome Library lists "Account book of the midwifery cases of Henry Wilkin, Surgeon, of Walton (on Thames?)" (https://search.wellcomelibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1852381). On 21.11.2017 I emailed the WL:
Henry Wilkin was active in Walton, Suffolk (not W-on-Thames). He came from a long lines of Suffolk medical men, including the Cockles (on his mother's side). His son was Henry John Wilkin, surgeon turned cavalryman, famously photographed by Roger Fenton in the Crimea. (See e.g. https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/2500345/cornet-henry-john-wilkin-assistant-surgeon-11th-hussars). In the 1850s Henry Wilkin senior had a large practice in Connaught Terrace, central London.
Assistant Surgeon in the 11th Hussars: 13th of January 1852.
[PB: LC p.316 refers to listing in Medical Times and Gazette, Jan 3 - Jun 1852, p. 125.
"Medical Appointments - 11th Light Dragoons: Assistant-Surgeon Henry John Wilkin, from the Staff, to be the Assistant-Surgeon vice Richard Pyper, who retires on half-pay."
[PB: Loy-Smith refers.]
The following officers and non-commissioned officers embarked for active service in 1854:
Lieutenant-Colonel the Earl of Cardigan, commanding 11th PAO Hussars
Major Douglas
'C' Troop
Captain Peel
Lieutenant Inglis
Cornet Annersley (died on board ship 28th September 1854)
Troop Sergeant-major Silver
'D' Troop
Captain Dallas
Lieutenant Trevelyan
Cornet Vansittart
Troop Sergeant-major Parker (died in Bulgaria 23rd August 1854)
'E' Troop
Captain Cresswell (died at the Bulganak 19th September 1854)
Lieutenant Saltmarsh (died in Bulgaria 3rd September 1854)
Cornet Roger Palmer
Troop Sergeant-major Pettit (died at the Tchernaya 25th September 1854)
'F' Troop
Captain Cook
Lieutenant Dunn
Cornet Houghton (Mortally wounded at Balaclava, died 22nd November 1854)
Troop Sergeant-major Loy Smith
Pay Master Healey
Assistant Surgeon Wilkin
Adjutant Ennis
Veterinary Surgeon Gloag
Quartermaster Kounts [PB: Henry Kauntze, 11H?]
Regimental Sergeant-major Bull
Surgeon St Croix Cross
[Add full ref: Loy-Smith, Part IV., pp.122-23]
[PB LC says HJW embarked on the "Trent". But EJB's notes only mention "Glendalough", "Asia", "War Cloud", "Parameter", "Tyrone". See 11th Hussars: Introduction. Tony Margrave, Newsletter, date, transcribes articles from The Times and other sources which state HJW travelled on thee"Glendalough".]
The Glendalough, no. 55: Sailed from Dublin to Constantinople, May 9 to June 10, 1854. Carried 50 horses, 3 officers and 50 men. (Transports Return to an Order of the Honourable The House of Commons dated 29 January 1855 for a Return of the ships engaged as regular Transports, with the Names etc. John Jones Dyer, Chief Clerk, Admiralty 26 May 1855).
"There is at length a prospect of the 11th Hussars being embarked for the seat of war. The Glendalough transport 1,058 tons burden, and to carry 50 horses of that regiment, arrived at Kingstown on Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock service number is 55. The remaining five vessels are expected" (The Times, May 5, 1854, p. 12, Column B).
"The 11th Hussars, who have been stationed for some years at Dublin, having lately received orders to depart for the seat of war, the first division, consisting of three officers, 49 men, and 50 horses, proceeded on Monday morning to Kingstown, where a transport ship (the Glendalough) was provided for their accommodation.
It is almost unnecessary to state that they were loudly cheered on the road, a large number of persons having assembled to see them off, although the hour at which they left barracks was so early as a quarter past 8 o'clock a.m. The men, who appeared one and all to be in high spirits, rode two and two out of the barrack gate amid the cheers of their comrades and the other soldiers within the walls, and were preceded by the fine bands of the 11th Hussars, 3d Dragoon Guards, and 16th Lancers.
On reaching Kingstown the work of embarkation commenced, and in the space of three hours the whole division, including men, horses, baggage, &c., was comfortably accommodated on board the Glendalough. The arrangements for the reception of the troops were unexceptionable. The officers who have embarked with this division for the seat of war are Captain Edmund Peel, Lieutenant A. W. Saltmarshe, and Assistant-Surgeon Wilkin" (The Times, May 10, 1854, p. 12, Column C)
"By our Malta correspondence [PB: correspondent?] , dated May 30, we learn that French and English troops continued to arrive, but less frequently than heretofore... By the Glendalough, on the 30th, 21 days out, 5) [PB: 50?] horses, Captain E. Peel, Lieutenant Saltmarshe, Assistant. Surgeon Wilkin, and 49 troopers of the 11th Hussars" (The Times, June 7, 1854, p. 10, Column E)
[NAM: image in album, 1018022; cropped image, 96890.]
[PB: Presumably HJW was a surgeon at the time of the Charge, so did he himself charge?
Lummis & Wynn say he rode in the Charge, "reputedly in the place of Cornet Yates." I wonder by whom "reputed"?
See below, "Lieutenant Wilkin served in the 11th Hussars throughout...". Notice the bracketed comment "said to have taken the place of John Yates and to have been called to the front of the Regiment on parade and thanked by the Commander-in-Chief for his services in the field". "Taken the place of John Yates" - i.e. Charged? This must have been Lummis and Wynn's source. Commander-in-Chief - Raglan?]
Tony Margrave [British Officers] says HJW charged, citing "Shepherd, Crimea Doctors", which I have not seen.
Having reviewed evidence available to him, Laurence Crider concludes it was "insufficient to assert Charger status". He also cited Kinglake, who "had copies of all the relevant documents and listed the officers of each regiment who rode in the Charge - Yates and Wilkins' names are conspicuously absent." (2011, p.317).
Why exactly did HJW become a soldier few months later? See below.]
Resigned from the Medical Department on the 2nd of February 1855. He became Cornet in the 11th Hussars on the same day.
[Add info about Fenton photograph.]
Born Walton near Ipswich, 24 September 1828
Surgeon, Staff, 13th Jany 1851;
Asst Surgeon 11th Hussars, 23rd Jany 1852;
Cornet 11th Hussars, 2 Feby 1856 [?], Without purchase;
Lieutenant 11th Hussars, 6th Oct, 1857, With purchase.Affair of Bulganac, Battles of Alma, Balaklava, Inkerman, Tchernaya and during the whole of the siege & capture of Sebastopol.
Exchanged to the 6th Carabineers, 17th July 1857.
[PB: Tony Margrave, as above.]
According to Medical History [PB: What is this?], the headquarters sailed from Balaklava on July 4, 1856. The regiment landed at Portsmouth on July 28th and marched to Aldershot where it was mustered on July 31, 1856. Apart from that the only other information traced on the repatriation of the regiment is this, taken fromThe Times:
The Argo, sailed from Balaklava, on May 24, 1856 and arrived Spithead Aug 4, 1856, carrying Lt G A Maddock, 11th Hussars (The Times, Aug 6, 1856, page 7, column B)
The Orinocco [sp?] arrived Spithead, July 4, 1856 from the east with Maj Cooke, Lt Annesley, & Vet Surgn Bailie, 90 men & 44 horses (The Times, Sat July 5, 1856, page 5, column C).
The Calcutta sailed from Balaklava, on July 4th 1855, with 32 officers, and 237 NCOs & men of the 11th Hussars & arrived at Spithead, July 27, 1856 with (inter alia) Capt Dallas Yorke, Lts Cockburn & Yates, Cornet Wilkin, Asst Surgn Miller, Vet Surgeons Anthony & Gloag, & WM Kontze [PB: Kauntze].
The first detachment of the 11th (or Prince Albert's Own) Hussars sailed for England in June 1856 and the remaining detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Edmund Peel left the Crimea on 4 July that year. Although the artist, George Housman Thomas, produced a number of drawings for The Illustrated London News, it appears that this sketch was not selected for publication. [Source: www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection (accessed 19.12.2016).
[PB: When did HJW go to India?]
Lieutenant in the 11th Hussars: 6th of February 1857.
Lieutenant on the 7th Hussars: 14th of August 1857.
Extract from Memories of the Mutiny, by Francis Cornwallis Maude, VC (date?):
"The infantry sepoys, who were as lithe and active as cats, especially the Oudh's when being pursued by our cavalry, used to fling themselves flat on the ground, and then, when the horses jumped over them, or passed near them, they would make a sword-cut with their razor-sharp scimitars which seldom failed to take effect, either upon the horse, or its rider.
'Peter' Wilkin , who had previously taken part in the Balaclava Charge, riding with the 11th Hussars, was lamed for life during the capture of Lucknow in this manner, the sword slicing clean through his boot and deep into the ball of his foot. Several others received similar wounds. But without a doubt, a horse is a great protection to its rider, especially to missiles coming from the direct front."
[Full reference?]
This was at Musa Bagh, 19th of March 1858.
[PB:Check references to injury. Are they mentioned in his Officer Record [what is this called?]? Maude implies a serious injury, but Forrest says only "Slightly wounded" (Indian Mutiny 1857-58: Selections etc etc, Vol III, add publctn details). Wilkin is mentioned a number of times, for his injury and for bravery in attempting to save Cornet Bankes. See also below, "Lieutenant Wlkin served in the 11th Hussars...".
Are the quotes around "Peter" in Maude's original, to imply "Peter" was Henry Wilkin's nickname, or did EJB add them to point to an error in naming?
July 2017: I have not been able to find an electronic version of Maude's book. But see https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Memories_of_the_Mutiny.html.
There is a brief Wikipedia article on Maude: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Cornwallis_Maude (accessed 19.7.2017).]
On the 13th of February 1860, at Meerut, India, he married by licence Maria Margaret Thomasina Wardham Chalmers. [PB: did she also use "Marguerite", which is what she named her daughter?] He was then shown as being 31 years of age, a bachelor, and she, a spinster aged 20. His father was shown as Henry Wilkin and hers as Alexander Chalmers.
A report of his wedding in the Naval and Military Gazette states that his father was Henry Wilkin, Esq, of Connaught Terrace, Hyde Park, London, and his bride's father as Alexander Chalmers, Esq., of the Bengal Army.
[PB: A wedding announcement in The Ipswich Journal, 19 May 1860, refers to her father as "M.D." Notice the second announcement, for HJW's brother's marriage two days earlier.]
MARRIAGES.
WILKIN - CHALMERS - 13th February, at St. John's Church. Meerut, by the Rev. E. Wharton Rotton, Henry John Wilkin. Esq., Lieutenant 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars, eldest son of Henry Wilkin, Esq. of Connaught Terrace, Hyde Park, London, to Maria Marguerite, second daughter of the late Alexander Chalmers, Esq., M.D., Bengal Army.
WILKIN - LICHFIELD - 11th inst., at St. John's Buckhurst Hill, Woodford, Essex, Herbert Charles, second son of Henry Wilkin, Esq., of Connaught Terrace, Hyde Park, London, to Elizabeth, second surviving daughter of the late William Lichfield, Esq., of Upton House, Hants.
[Add info?]
Maria Margaret (or Marguerite) Thomasina Wardlaw was born 4 November 1839 in Shahjehanpore, Bengal, India, and baptised there 6 February 1840. Father Alexander Chalmers M.D., mother Maria Frances Jane (nee ?).
There is considerably more information about her here:
[PB: Lieut. HJW becomes Captain, 7th Hussars, by purchase.]
[PB: Notice the chain reaction after the retirement of the previous commanding officer, William Bushe. His place was taken by Harrington Astley Trevelyan, previously Major. Captain David Brown became Major, HJW became Captain, and Cornet Pedder took HJW's Lieutenancy. Interestingly, Lt.Colonel Harrington Astley Trevelyan had been with HJW in the Crimea as a Lieutenant in the 11th Hussars. Were they particular friends? NB I'm pretty sure HAT appears in at least one of the NPG photographs. Check.]
[PB]
Captain in the 94th Foot: 19th of April 1864.
[PB: This is interesting. EJB does not mention HJW's elevation from Lieutenant to Captain in 1864, but does list a move to the 94th Foot at this time. HJW moved up in the 7th Hussars, becoming a ?, then across to the 94th Foot (like a knight's move in chess)? I wonder why? Was this common? ]
Captain and Brevet-Major in the 94th Foot: 20th of May 1864.
Retired, by the sale of his commission, on the 4th of December 1866.
[PB]
"Lieutenant Wilkin served in the 11th Hussars throughout the Eastern campaign of 1854-55, including the affairs of the Bulganak and Mckenzie's Farm, battles of the Alma, Balaclava (said to have taken the place of John Yates and to have been called to the front of the Regiment on parade and thanked by the Commander-in-Chief for his services in the field) Inkerman and the Siege and fall of Sebastopol. (Medal and four Clasps and the 5th Class Order of the Medijie.)
Served in the 7th Hussars in the Indian campaign of 1858-59, being severely wounded in the operations before Lucknow (Acting Brigade Major and brought the troops engaged out of the action, 16th of March 1858) and was present at the affair of Meengungee (Adjutant of the left wing) siege and capture of Lucknow, throughout the Byswarra campaign - including the affair near Chirda and pursuit, taking of the fort of Medjeedia, attack on Bankee with pursuit to the Raptee, advance into Nepaul and affair of Sitkaghat.
Mentioned in despatches 'for making a brave attempt to rescue Cornet Bankes, who was surrounded by the enemy, and wounded.' (Medal and Clasp and Brevet of Major.)"
[PB: ]
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol, the Turkish Medal, the Order of the Medjidie, 5th Class, and the Mutiny medal with clasp for Central India.
[PB: Henry Wilkin was present at the "The Balaklava Anniversary" Festival, 25 October, 1875.]
Yesterday evening the officers who were engaged in the combat of Balaklava celebrated the anniversary by dining together at Willis's Rooms, King-street, St. James's, when covers were laid for forty persons.
General the Earl of Lucan G.C.B., presided, supported by Lieutenant-General Lord George Paget, K.C.B., Lieutenant-General Sir Edward Hodge, K.C.B., Major-General Sir Thomas M'Mahon, K.C.B, Major-General Clarke, C.B., Major-General Wardlaw, C.B., Colonel Portal, Colonel Hunt, Colonel Swinfen, Lord Tredegar, Lord Bingham, Hon. H. H. Jolliffe, Sir George Wombwell, Colonel Alexander Elliot, Colonel White, C.B., Colonel Mussenden, Colonel Fellowes, Colonel Grylls, Lieutenant-Colonel Sandeman, Colonel Sir Wm. Gordon, Bart, Major C. M'Donnel, Major Elmsall, Major Clowes, Captain Goad, Major Wilkin, Major M'Creagh, Major Jervis, Major Ferguson, Major Duberly, Major Manley, Major Prendergast, Major King, Captain GoIe [spelling?], Captain Scott, Captain Brigstock, Captain Hunt, Surgeon-General Mouat, C.B., Assistant-Commissary Sutherland, Assistant-Comptroller Murray, Mr. E Pepys, Mr. J. Pickworth, Mr. H. Harrison, &c. The banquet was served in the ball-room.
[Source: "The Balaklava Anniversary" Festival at the Alexandra Palace, 25 October, 1875. Articles originally published in the Daily Telegraph, September and October, 1875. Transcribed by Dr Douglas Austen, 2004.]
[PB: Notice the presence of "Maj-Gen Wardlaw", about whom I know nothing. "Wardlaw" was one of Maria Wilkin's names. Related? Was this Robert Wardlaw, who became a Cornet in the 1st Regt of Dragoons in 1835?]
[PB: The birth of a daughter to HJW and his wife was announced in the London Evening Standard, Friday 05 August 1870. This may well be HJW's daughter "Marguarite" [? Presumably Marguerite, like her mother], seen in the 1881 Census. Where was Maria Wilkin, his wife, in 1871?]
BIRTH. WILKIN. August 4, the wife of Henry Wilkin, of 3, Stanhope-gardens, South Kensington, of a daughter.
1871 Census
2, Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London.
Henry J Wilkin, married, 42, lodger, Retired Major in the Army, born Trimley, Suffolk.
Henry Wilkin, 19, lodger, son, East Indies.
In May 1879, Henry Wilkin petitioned for divorce, alleging that Maria Wilkin... The allegations are lurid... But he appears to have withdrawn the suit...
15th November
On the Cause being called and neither the Petitioner nor any person on his behalf appearing it was ordered by the Court that the Cause be struck out of the List of Causes for hearing.
Cause struck out
[PB: Where was Maria and her baby daughter? Was she in a private mental asylum at this time?]
[PB: Check the following and correct.]
1881 Census
18, Bath Road, Bedford Park, Chiswick.
Henry J Wilkin, 52, retired Major in the Army, late 11th [7th?] Hussars, Frimley, Suffolk.
Maria Wilkin, 40, wife, Shahjahanpore, Bengal, E. Indies.
Marguarite [sic?] Wilkin, 12, Scholar, Castleknock, Dublin, Ireland.
Ellen Walsh, 34, unmarried, General Servant/Domestic, Liverpool.
[Google Maps 2017: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/18+Bath+Rd,+Chiswick,+London+W4/@51.4964644,-0.2524928,3a,75y,249.96h,98.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suU5Eg8_gBSKE-vS2cEdKAw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x48760e3f290e3061:0x24ecc88b3b8289bf!8m2!3d51.4962919!4d-0.2525525 (accessed 20.7.2017)]
Died at 4, Western Terrace, Brighton, Sussex, on the 24 of February 1901. In his will he left his estate of £699 to his son, Henry Douglas [see Further information, below].
Extracts from the Brighton and Hove Gazette, 26th of February and 5th of March 1891:
"There has died at No. 4 Western Terrace, Brighton, Major Henry J. Wilkin, who, until recently, was the Secretary to the Brighton Orleans Club. The deceased gentleman retired from the 7th Hussars with the rank of Major some years ago, having served through the Indian Mutiny in addition to the Crimea. He accepted the post of Secretary to the Orleans Club, Brighton, when it opened on the 1st of January 1883, and remained in office until October last, when he retired in consequence of ill-health. The immediate cause of death was bronchitis.
Major Wilkin was 63 years of age, and leaves a widow, and a son and daughter to mourn his loss. His son, Lieutenant Henry D. Wilkin, R.N., of H.M.S "Asia", only returned from foreign service about a fortnight since.
The funeral, which will take place at Brighton, is fixed for Saturday.
[PB: Notice "leaves a widow, and a son and daughter". Follow up.]
Funeral of Major Wilkin
Amid numerous token of respect and sympathy for his family, the remains of Major Wilkin, for over seven years Secretary to the Orleans Club, were interred in the Extra-Mural Cemetery at Brighton on Saturday afternoon. The body was borne on an open car to the Parish Church, the coffin being completely hidden by the numerous floral tributes. The service was read by the Revd. Prebendary Hannah (the Vicar) and the Revd. J. Parker, the former also officiating at the graveside. The coffin plate bore the inscription: 'Major Henry Wilkin, late of the 7th Hussars. Died 24th February 1891, aged 62 years.'
The wreaths sent by the family were interred with the body, and amongst those left outside were some exceptionally beautiful specimens sent by members of the Orleans Club.
[A list of mourners and those sending wreaths follows. Although these were mostly military men, no name can be recognised as being from the Light Brigade regiments.]
Major Wilkin served with distinction with the 11th Hussars in the Crimea and with the 7th Hussars in India, but he made his name in the Army by his daring horsemanship. He was a sound judge of horseflesh and won a great number of races at military meetings. He was a Master of Foxhounds in India, where he had also promoted military racing, also being for eight years the honorary secretary of the North India Turf Club.
His last experience of active military service was on the staff of Lord Strathan, when the latter was Commander of the Forces in Ireland and after this he returned to private life.
He came to Brighton in 1883 to take up the duties of Secretary to the Orlean's Club, an appointment which he held until last November, when paralysis compelled him to keep to his home.
Major Wilkin's death leaves a gap in the social circles of Brighton which will not be easily filled, and retired military men will especially regret his loss."
[Add info about EJB photograph.]
Henry Wilkin was buried in Grave No. XM 28844 in the Extra-Mural Cemetery at Brighton, Sussex. His gravestone, a cross on a two tier base, is now (1983) almost covered with ivy, and in fact, is only prevented from falling over by the branches of ivy around the cross itself. The base bears the words:
"In loving memory of Major Henry John Wilkin, late 11th and 7th Hussars. Born 24th September 1828 - Died 24th February 1891. Ever Remembered."
The 1861 Census Return shows HJW's father, of the same name, as living at 3, Connaught Terrace, a "Surgeon in practice". He was a widower at this time.
Henry Wilkin's only son, Henry Douglas, served in the Royal Navy.
He was present at the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882 and landed with the Naval Brigade. (Medal with clasp and the Khedive's Star.)
He was awarded the Humane Society's Bronze medal for jumping overboard and assisting in the rescue of a marine, the place being infested with sharks.
Extract from the Army and Navy Gazette, 2nd of January 1886:
"H.M.S. "Rapid" at Accra, commanded by Captain Musgrave. November 16th 1885.
During the voyage of the "Rapid" along the West Coast of Africa a marine fell overboard whilst clearing away the guns for drill. Another man went in after him, but the two were sinking. Sub-Lieutenant Wilkin gallantly plunged in and managed to keep the two afloat until a boat picked them up. Considering the area was infested with sharks, this was no mean feat, and Captain Musgrave has recommended Mr. Wilkin, who is, we believe. the son of a gallant officer of Balaclava fame, for the Humane Society's Medal for saving life at sea."
In command of the Naval Brigade and in conjunction with the West India Regiment at the storming of Fort Toniatba. (West African medal with clasp and the D.S.O.)
In command of H.M.S. "Sparrow" during the South African War.
When in command of H.M.S. "Otter" he rescued the crew of H.M.S. "Sandpiper" from a sand-bank during a typhoon.
Landed with the Naval Brigade in December of 1905 for the suppression of the riots in Shanghai.
Western Gazette, Friday 01 October 1909:
"A court-martial Portsmouth on Tuesday found the charge brought against Captain Henry Wilkin suffering the cruiser Hermione to be rounded not proved." [PB]
Senior Naval Officer at Belfast in World War One. Appointed Rear-Admiral in 1918.
[Add info.]
[PB: Add notes and references. Enlargements? Integrate above. There is very little information about this pictures - I think Trevelyan must be in at least one. The portrait is very interesting indeed, and would worth thinking about. Is it a wedding portrait? Notice Maria's demure downturned look at the handle of HJW's sabre, which holds lovingly. His hat and other military items appear to lie on her lap. Look more closely. She is wearing a crucifix. Was she Roman Catholic or did Anglican women also wear them at this time?]
[Add info. Sir Henry Herbert Wombwell - George's younger brother? Is Trevelyan among the men?]
[PB: In July 2017 I made contact with Tim Pickles, who is related to Henry Wilkin through his grandmother. He is a member of the CWRS and CrimeanWar Group with particular interest in cavalry. Tim collects uniforms and is a consultant on military matters in films. Some years ago he recreated HJW's uniform as shown in the Fenton photograph. We are very grateful to him for providing these images.]
[Source: Tim Pickles, Photo Gallery, IMDb, here (accessed 9 July 2017).]
John Wilkin (died 1891) rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade as the 11th Hussars' Assistant Surgeon. On 2 February 1855 he purchased the rank of cornet in the 11th, and is photographed here in full hussar dress; even his horse has its throat plume. Wilkin was a skilful horseman and excelled in the races organised in the Crimea.
Negative No. 104968
Accession No. NAM. 1968-10-73-15.
[PB: Notice the assertion that he charged.]
1891 Census
George John Barry, 45, Late Captain 12th Lancers
Maria Gertrude Barry, 25, wife, Galway, Ireland
Marguerite Agnes Wilkins, 22, Visitor, on her own means, born Dublin, Ireland.
Frances Gertrude Barry, 19, Daughter, Hove, Sussex.
Ruth Elliott, 26, Housemaid, Domestic Servant,
Eliza Conally, 46, Cook, Domestic Servant,
Winifred Bennett, 25, Parlourmaid, Domestic Servant,
Jane Macguire, 28, General, Domestic Servant,
Marguerite married a Swede. Were did they live? After his death [date?], she was naturalised as British again in 1916.
To check:
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/12820620/person/120027146475/facts
Spouse: Elfrida Bertha Iveson b. Paddington 1890 ( https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/12820620/person/120027147698/facts)
Ship to Gibraltar, with wife: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/2997/41039_b001296-00493/141938704?backurl=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/12820620/person/120027146475/facts/citation/540107654860/edit/record
Died Malaga, Spain, 1931.
Will: https://www.ancestry.co.uk/interactive/1904/31874_221706-00412/2463519?backurl=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/12820620/person/120027146475/facts/citation/540107658364/edit/record
Elfrida died Interlaken, 1974.
It would be very interesting to look in detail at the Chalmers Family (there appear to have been six brothers and two sisters), most of whose lives were spent between India and Britain, e.g.
Edward Willock Chalmers [brother], born 1849 Calcutta, educated Jersey, married London (wife born Sydney, Australia), daughter born Peshawar, sister Matilda died Muree, India, died Maidenhead
[Ancestry: Smith Family Tree: Edward Willock Chalmers [brother].]
[Ancestry: Smith Family Tree: Alexander Chalmers [father].]
[Ancestry: Smith Family Tree: Maria Margaret Thomasina Wardlow Chalmers.]