During more than 100 years in business, Pakeman Brothers advertised themselves as a Civil and Military Tailor, which is hardly surprising!
Founder George Pakeman was born in Uxbridge, Middlesex in 1822, the son of John, a tailor, and his wife Jane Pakeman. He followed his father into the tailoring business, but not the family firm. In 1859 he married Sarah Philpott and by 1863 the couple had moved from Canterbury, Kent and set up in business at 22 High Street, Old Swindon.
But prior to that George can be found on the 1851 census as ‘Master Tailor in the Regiment’ at Ashton Barracks, Hartshead, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire. However, it was only when I searched for George’s obituary that I discovered the full extent of his military career.
The remains of Mr George Pakeman, one of Swindon’s Crimean veterans, were on Wednesday interred in the Cemetery, Swindon. Deceased, who had served in the trenches before Sebastopol, and had been engaged at the battles of Alma and Inkerman, left the army with the rank of sergeant, after having acted for about ten years as master tailor in the depot of the 50th Regiment at Canterbury.
The Western Daily Press, Bristol, Thursday, November 3, 1904.
George died at his home (appropriately named Inkerman) 129 Goddard Avenue, on October 30, 1904. He was buried on November 2 in grave plot E8617 joining his wife Sarah who died the previous year.
This newly discovered history reveals George Pakeman as a member of the growing number of recently located Crimean veterans buried in Radnor Street Cemetery.
Photograph taken at the funeral of Daisy Garlick’s brother. Daisy and Inkerman are the second couple on the right.
The Battle of Inkerman took place on November 5, 1853 during the Crimean War between Russia and the UK and her allies. Inkerman later became popular as a street name, although we don’t have one here in Swindon but it is curious how battle names were chosen for the naming of children. During and immediately after the First World War children named Ypres, Verdun and Arras appear in birth registration records.
Inkerman John Garlick was born in October 1863 in Wootton Bassett, the son of John and his wife Julia. He grew up at the Pack Horse Inn, Chippenham where his parents were the publicans. He married Ada Jane Barnes in 1889 and the couple had five children. In 1891 they were living at 26 Carfax Street, with their baby son Percy and Ada’s two brothers, Ernest and Sholto Barnes. Inkerman worked as a wood sawyer. Sadly, Ada was admitted to the Wiltshire County Lunatic Asylum where she died in 1903 aged 39.
In the summer of 1904 Inkerman married Daisy Ayers and at the time of the 1911 census they were living at 69 Port Tennant Road, Swansea. Inkerman was 47 and worked as a Railway Timber Inspector. Daisy was 29. They lived with children from both his marriages – Elsie 19, Frederick 15, Arthur 13, Iris 5 and one year old Myrtle.
This stylish art deco headstone marks the grave of Daisy Garlick who died in 1938 aged 57 and was buried in grave plot C1821. Inkerman died less than three months later and was buried with her on September 5. He was 75 years old.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their sons inspect the wounded Grenadier Guards at Buckingham Palace February 20, 1855.
In 1861 Robert Martin, Grenadier Guard, was part of the District Foot Guards Detachment based at North Camp Aldershot. The Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards had served with distinction during the Crimea War, seeing action at the Alma (1854), Inkerman (1854) and Sebastopol (1854-1855). His military career was drawing to a close.
Robert Martin was born in 1834 in Lolworth, Cambridgeshire, the son of agricultural labourer William Martin and his wife Sarah. At the time of the 1851 census Robert was also working on the land. Was he restless? Did he see his future as just more of the same? Was he looking for an adventure when he decided to join the army?
Robert was no doubt grateful to have survived the horror of the Crimea War. On Christmas Day 1863 he married Harriett Kimberely at St Andrew’s Church, Bordesley, Birmingham. She was 20 years old, the daughter of John Kimberley, a victualler from Small Heath. Robert was 29 and working as a railway servant.
The couple moved around a fair bit and lived in Birmingham and Aberdare before rocking up at Swindon in the late 1870s. In 1881 they were living at 25 Carfax Street – Robert worked as a Railway Guard and his two sons, Alfred 14 and William 11 were Telegraph Messengers.
Harriett died in 1882 and the following year Robert married Fanny Maria Roberts at St. Mark’s Church. They went on to have a daughter, Daisy Harriett Gertrude Maude.
In addition to serving in the military for eight years, Robert Martin worked for the GWR for 43 years. It was said that his ‘familiar figure will be greatly missed on Swindon GWR platform.’
Death of a Crimean Veteran
An old GWR Guard
Mr R. Martin, of Swindon
The Funeral
There was laid to rest in Swindon Cemetery on Sunday afternoon the mortal remains of the late Mr Robert Martin, who passed away in his 72nd year at his residence, 25, Carfax Street, Swindon, last week, after a very short illness.
Mr Martin, whose familiar figure will be greatly missed on Swindon GWR platform, had been in the service of the Co. for the long period of 43 years, during 39 of which he was a passenger guard. During his extended period of service, he gained the entire confidence of all the officials of the line, and he was very popular with regular passengers. His upright soldierly bearing and his pleasant manner made him one of the most familiar figures on the line.
On reaching the allotted span, in January, 1904, he retired from the Company’s service, and his colleagues then, to show their esteem and appreciation, presented him with a silver teapot.
Deceased, who was twice married, leaves a widow and family of five grown-up children – three sons and two daughters.
In his younger days, Mr Martin served for eight years in the Grenadier Guards. He saw active service in the Crimea, and was proud of his possession of Crimean and Turkish medals, with the Sebastopol clasp.
The Funeral
Was very numerously attended, there being an exceptionally large crowd assembled in the Cemetery. The first portion of the burial service was conducted at St. John’s Church, by the Rev A.G. Gordon Ross, Vicar of St. Mark’s, who also officiated at the graveside. In addition to the family mourners, there was a large attendance of railway men and local Volunteers…
Following the family mourners came Mr John Brewer (GWR Stationmaster), and Inspector Rochester, and about forty guards, ex-guards, porters, and other officials on the line. Then came about thirty Volunteers, under Sergt. Ellwood. The coffin, which was covered with beautiful wreaths, was of polished oak, with brass fittings, and on the breast plate was the following inscription:- “Robert Martin, died Sept. 18th, 1905, aged 71 years.”
Mrs Martin and family desire to tender their sincere thanks to numerous friends for all kind expressions of sympathy with them in their bereavement.
Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Friday, September 29, 1905.
Robert Martin aged 71 years, died at his home in 25 Carfax Street and was buried in grave plot C1694. He is buried with his second wife, Fanny Maria ‘who died on her way to hospital’ July 1911. Robert’s first wife, Harriett died in January 1882 at the age of 38 years and is buried alone in grave plot E7001.
This is the final entry in the Crimean War Diary written by John Harris and published in the Swindon Advertiser after his death in 1902.
Jan. 1 (1856) – Very cold, with much snow. Firing from the north side continues during the day. At night rockets are observed on the heights.
Jan 2. – The troops are comfortable in huts – several of the outpost sentries have been found frozen to death at their posts. The Russians continue to throw shot and shell into the town. The rations are, generally, of a better quality than have been hitherto served out to the troops.
Jan. 3. – Received orders yesterday to hold ourselves in readiness to proceed to Kertch, as the Russians are collecting in force in that district. It will be a difficult march at this time of the year, although the distance is not great. But the mountain passes are covered with snow, and very deep.
Jan. 4. – Marched to-day at 10 a.m. for Kertch and encamped at Bidar for the night, caught a violent cold, which I thought would prove my death. We had to keep our watch fires going the whole of the night, as wolves came down in great numbers. We lost one man during the night, and it was supposed that he was taken away whilst on sentry duty, as his carbine and much blood was found near his outpost.
Jan. 5. – Awoke this morning before daylight. It was bitter cold, and my limbs nearly contracted with the damp and cold. I was nearly ready to give up. We are to remain at Bidar until the river is going down, and we shall be able to ford it to-morrow.
Jan. 7. – Marched over the Bidar bridge this morning and reached Kertch at 9 p.m. much fatigued. Have the damp wet ground and the dreary tent once more.
Jan. 12. – All the Russian outworks round Kertch were destroyed by our men yesterday and to-day. Fresh butter was offered to-day by the Tartans and the country people at 3s per pound.
Jan. 25. – The Russians are very quiet in their batteries, and fresh supplies are coming in great abundance from the out villages. The English and French mail arrived with the intelligence of an armistice between all the powers for the space of six weeks.
Having between Jan. 25th, and Feb. 6th, gone to Balaclava, the writer of the diary continues:
Feb. 7. – The Russians hoisted a flag of truce from the heights, and from the staff fort in Sebastopol. They have received the news of an armistice. The Russian General and the generals of the French, English and Sardinians will meet to-morrow at 11 o’clock, half-way on the traction bridge, to sign the articles of the armistice. No firing or any other warfare to be carried on for six weeks.
Feb. 8. – All hands employed raising the dock gates. Great rejoicing among the Russians on account of the Armistice. Salutes were fired for the occasion.
Feb. 9. – A holiday was given all the troops, and all Government offices closed for the day.
Feb. 10. – Wind bitter cold; several men frost-bitten in their fingers, ears, noses and above the ankles. Others have had their fingers and toes amputated. One man was obliged to have both his feet taken of just above the ankle. Other have had their fingers taken off, and another had his ear off. My nose was frost-bitten, and as white as a lily, but I got it round by rubbing plenty of snow into it.
Feb. 14. – Escorted prisoners to Balaclava. One got away on the road, but was recaptured.
Feb. 16. – Stores and men arriving from England, and in the course of other two months Camp to Balaclava; distance, nine weary miles. We shall be able to take the field with a fine and powerful army.
Feb. 23.- Two Greeks shot on the Heights for killing a French soldier.
Feb. 27. – Snow fell very heavy during the night. A Greek sailor was hanged from the yard-arm of the Black Eagle, for attempting to set fire to an English vessel laden with powder.
Feb. 28. – Wind bitter cold; many cattle found frozen on the plains. Two French soldiers shot for killing and robbing an English soldier on the road from Balaclava to the camp. A Greek spy was caught in the English camp and shot.
Feb. 29.- Two English officers suffocated in their huts by using charcoal to keep them warm.
March 7. – The English mail has arrived with good news. Peace is proclaimed. All men paraded for a field-day. Salutes fired from all the forts, fires lighted on all the hills, and fireworks displayed.
From this date to the 18th July the old soldier records the various incidents which lead up to the close of the war and the return home. On the 18th of July he records as follows:-
Entered the chops of the English Channel, and passed the island of Jersey at 4 p.m. We then caught a glimpse of the white cliffs of old England, and all the crew and the troops gave hearty cheers, which seemed to echo back to the good old ship the news of our welcome home.
July 19. – Landed at Portsmouth at 9 a.m., and marched to the Railway Station with several bands playing “Cheer, Boys, Cheer,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and “See, the Conquering Heroes come.” We are now safely landed in England after twelve months hard toil on the battle field.
The diary is concluded with the following statistics in relation to the death roll:-
English loss 30,301
French loss 45,284
Sardinians loss 9,112
84,697
Russian loss 174,989
Swindon Advertiser, Friday, August 8, 1902.
John returned to England and in 1859 married Sarah Coleman at St. Mary’s Bathwick. By 1861 they were living in Swindon at the appropriately named 5 Alma Terrace* with their year old son John Frederick Mark. John was employed as an accounts clerk in the GWR Works, a job he would retain until his retirement.
Subsequent census returns record him living at 19 Bridge Street (1871); 2 Queen Street (1881) and finally at 24 Sanford Street (1891 & 1901) where he died in 1902.
He was buried on August 2, 1902 in grave plot E8002, which he shares with his wife Sarah who died in January 1908.
*The Battle of Alma took place in Crimea on September 20, 1854
Extracts from the diary of Crimea War Veteran – John Harris.
Nov. 1. – In Sebastopol on fatigue. The Russians keep up a very heavy fire on the town. A man was riding a donkey after firewood near the dockyard wall when a shell came over and passed right through the donkey without scarring the man in the least.
Nov. 5. – Took a walk over to look at Inkerman, twelve months after the battle. The skulls and bones of the dead are still lying about in thousands. The eagles and the ravens have eaten the flesh. The Russian loss must have been very great that day. It is called Gotha, the place of skulls, to this day.
Nov. 7. – Under orders to march for Balaclava.
Nov. 8. – Arrived at Balaclava yesterday, rained in torrents during the whole of the march, wind cold, no fire, no food, clothes all wet, and had to let them dry on our backs.
Nov. 9. – Fever broke out in the Company. Our Company sergeant died this morning; great many on the sick list.
Nov. 12. – Cold winter wind is approaching. The Russians made a sortie, and were repulsed with heavy loss by the Sardinians.
Nov. 7. – Sickness on the decrease; one gunner died during the night. A tremendous explosion took place on the French Right Attack Gun Park, and spread into our gun park. A large quantity of powder and stores were destroyed, and a large number of English and French killed.
Nov. 18. – An attack expected from the Russians from the heights; firing towards Simperpool.
Nov. 25. – Snow fell heavy during the night. All hands are engaged hutting for the winter.
Nov. 29. – Firing very heavy all day. It is too cold for the Turks to work, but the Armenians are very good workmen.
Dec. 1. – Snow very deep and wind very very cold. The firing from the north side continues frequent during the day. The cattle exposed to the weather drop off; a great many found dead this morning on the plains.
Dec. 3. – The huts are nearly completed, although the men cannot get them brought up to the front on account of the severity of the weather.
Dec. 7. – Marched to Sebastopol to see the explosion of the docks.
Dec. 9. – The fire from the Russians very rapid, but little damage done to the town, excepting to break down the roofs of the of the houses, enabling our men to get wood without the trouble of sawing and cutting.
Dec. 20. – A heavy fall of snow occurred during the night. A Russian magazine blew up.
Dec. 21. – Rations very bad. Men are getting very sick, and scurvey is making its appearance amongst the men. The hospitals are all full, and the winds are still cold, with much rain.
Dec. 23. – The Russians are destroying the brushwood on the heights in order to get clear view of our encampment. Lime juice is being served out to the troops to prevent scurvy.
Dec. 25. – Christmas Day – holiday for most of the troops. Arrival of fresh supplies of warm underclothing. A hut burnt down and eight men of the Army Working Corps suffocated by the smoke.
Dec. 31. – Wrote a letter home to England. Snow fell very thick during the night; wind very cold. This day finishes out the old year, and I hope through the blessing of God, who has hitherto protected us through trials, we will be supported further.
The final instalment of this Crimean War Diary will be published tomorrow, concluding the life and times of John Harris, buried in Radnor Street Cemetery.
The death toll from disease rises as John writes in his diary – Oct 8. – Sickness dreadful. Sixty men in hospital; twenty men have to do the work of 100. If we stay here much longer we shall lose all our company. We came here a few days ago 126 strong, and we have only 58 left.
Continuing …
Extracts from the diary of Crimean War Veteran John Harris.
Sebastopol storming of the Great Redan
Oct. 1. – Ordered to march from the Windmill miles after much rain.
Oct. 2. – Arrived last night at the heights and encamped.
Oct. 3. – Went to Balaclava on “fatigue” after rations, but could not get any, biscuits all we have had for two days.
Oct. 4. – Two gunners fell sick and died. This evening one corporal and a bombardier died. Several more men sick.
Oct. 5. – Two more men died this morning.
Oct. 6. – Four men of our company died during the night. Two men died this evening; sickness on the increase.
Oct. 7. – Two sergeants and one lieutenant died this morning.
Oct. 8. – Sickness dreadful. Sixty men in hospital; twenty men have to do the work of 100. If we stay here much longer we shall lose all our company. We came here a few days ago 126 strong, and we have only 58 left.
Oct. 9. Orders came yesterday to remove to Kamara from this valley of death on account of sickness.
Oct. 10. – Marched to Kamara this morning. A great number of men fell out on the way from weakness.
Oct. 15. – Order to march to the right attack, so as to be employed in Sebastopol getting out the stores, and mounting guns.
Oct. 16. – Arrived at the Windmill Camp, right attack, yesterday evening, very much fatigued.
Oct. 17. – Employed in Sebastopol in raising the iron lock gates of the docks. The Russians fire at us from the Staff Fort, but very little damage, as all their shot and shell fired at short range.
Oct. 21. – In Sebastopol raising the ribs of the dock gate. Two of our men injured by a shell from the enemy.
Oct. 22. – The Russians are throwing up Battery on the left of the Staff Fort so as to prevent our men working.
Oct. 22. – The English destroyed the new battery yesterday by shelling the men out of it.
Oct. 24. – The Russians continued to fire all over the town with very little damage to anyone.
Oct. 25. – Two men blown up by a shell near the Creek battery.
Oct. 26. – The sappers are at work at the docks, sinking shafts in order to blow them up.
Oct. 27. – Rain fell in torrents the whole night; our tent nearly blown away. Heavy fire from the left.
Oct. 28. – Sun very warm; washed our dirty linen, which was very verminous.
Oct. 30. – Mounting guns in the Redan to be forwarded home to England.
This week I am publishing seven daily blog posts dedicated to John Harris – Crimean War Veteran, who is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery.
Florence Nightingale
Continuing …
Extracts from the diary of Crimean War Veteran – John Harris.
Sept. 13. – Wrote a letter to England. Cholera has made its appearance in our camp.
Sept. 14. – Heavy firing heard from the rear of General Tuder’s army.
Sept. 15. – Sickness very prevalent in the camp, and deaths numerous. The Russians fire at anything they see in Sebastopol; firing from the north side.
Sept. 16. – The French and English are constructing a battery for mortars and heavy metal to shell the north side.
Sept. 17. – Very warm; obliged to keep out of the sun during the day.
Sept. 18. – Several French and English killed in Sebastopol by the shot and shell from the north side.
Sept. 19. – Sickness on the increase. One of our sergeants and a gunner died, and were buried to-day. Several of our men very sick.
Sept. 20. – The Russians are making an inward journey towards the fortified camp at Simpherpool.
Sept. 21. – Very wet; the rain is coming in torrents.
Sept. 22. – Not a gun has been heard during the whole night or day.
Sept. 23. – Heavy thunder and lightning; accompanied by violent storms.
Sept. 24. – The Russians opened a tremendous fire on the town at daybreak to-day.
Sept. 25. – The fire yesterday did little or no damage. Two French sappers killed by the ruins of an old Russian house falling in on them.
Sept. 26. – The English opened a mortar battery opposite Fort Constantine – greatly to the annoyance of John O’Rush.
Sept. 27. – The Russians are occupied erecting a new battery on Sugar Loaf Hill.
Sept. 28. – Firing very heavy during the night from the Mackensie’s heights. Expecting an assault on our right from the traction bridge.
Sept. 29. – The whole army under arms ready for an attack.
Sept. 30. – Very heavy rain during the night; my kit is wet through, and my clothes have not been changed for the last 14 days.
This week I am publishing seven daily blog posts dedicated to John Harris – Crimean War Veteran, who is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery.
Embarkation of the Sick at Balaklava
Continuing …
Extracts from the diary of Crimean War Veteran – John Harris.
Fire!
The recorder, in his account of the voyage out to the Crimea, has a startling incident to note under date August 11, 1855. It is as follows:-
Sea very high, wind the same. Ship caught fire below, fire bell rang, boats were lowered, men looked wild and pale. Water in being poured in by tons, and about 2,000 blankets wetted and thrown on the fire. The men begin to look for a watery grave – there is no ship in sight, no land. The fire is gaining upon us.
Then after a break he goes on:-
We got the fire under by night. The damage done is considerable.
In The Trenches
And now we come to the campaign proper. The men reached the scene of action on August 31, for the record in the diary is as follows:-
August 31 – Arrived at Balaclava harbour, and for the first time heard the guns from Sebastopol. One man fell overboard and was drowned. Disembarked. On shore many curious sights, Jews, Turks, Greeks, Armenians, Tartars, Maltese, Spaniards, French. All ordered to march to the right attack, distance about nine miles. Dreadful sights on the way. Men exhausted, and worn out by fatigue. Pitch our tens. All hands for the trenches at 10 o’clock that night. Only had my clothes off once since I left England – that is 37 days. I laid down and went to sleep. Sun next day very warm, and I fell sick; two days without eating or drinking. Several men taken with the cramp and two died from the cholera. The firing is very heavy on our right. Several wounded brought up from the trenches. A powder magazine exploded in the French works.
Sept. 1. – Went into the trenches last night. Lost two men of our company. Firing was very heavy, and shot and shell thrown into the town in a great quantity. The town on fire in several parts, but extinguished towards morning.
Sept. 2 – Firing continues very heavy. A Russian man-of-war on fire. She went down at day break this morning.
Sept. 3 -Paraded for the trenches at 9 p.m. Lost two men and one sergeant in the advance trench on the right attack.
Sept. 4 – Firing continues to be very rapid. It must be impossible for them to withstand our fire which is from right to left.
Sept. 5. – Rapid firing night and day. Several explosions in Sebastopol, but cannot hear much for the thundering of our guns.
Sept. 6 – Paraded for the trenches at 9 a.m. Tremendous firing from our right and left. The Russians feebly reply to our fire.
Sept. 7. – The firing from our right is dreadful, also from the mortar battery in the quarries. The whole heavens illuminated by our fire.
Sept. 8. – Firing heavy. The very heavens and earth seem coming together. Explosions seen in Sebastopol; they reply to our fire but feebly; our loss was rather heavy yesterday.
Sept. 9. – Paraded last night at 10 p.m. for the trenches. Lost four men going in the advance trench, eight men wounded during the night, one corporal, one bombardier, and five gunners killed in our company. At 12-30 last night the Russians could not reply to our fire, when Capt. Vernon ordered us to cease firing as Sebastopol was in flames and the enemy retreating. We went on the parapet of the Battery, and saw our men going in over the Redan works. All firing ceased for a time, when a most dreadful explosion was heard. It was St. Nicholas which had been blown into the air by the Russians as they retreated. Just before daylight a shell was thrown from the staff fort on the north side into our battery, and exploding, killed four men, one lieutenant, one bombardier. Three men, one sergeant, wounded. A piece of the shell struck me on the right leg, below the knee, cutting my thigh. I was taken away to the front to have my wound dressed, and sent into camp to rest as the hospitals were full.
Sept. 10. – I attended hospital at 9 a.m. and had to wait there some time to have my wound dressed. I saw nearly a wagon load of arms and legs which had been taken off that morning by the doctors. The groans of the dying were dreadful, and I was very glad to get away from the place. Towards the afternoon I went down into Sebastopol by the Redan. The sight of the Redan ditch was awful to relate, for it was filled with our poor English dead bodies. I went further down into the town and met with several dreadful sights. Russian, men, women, children, horses, dogs, cats, cattle, were all lying in the streets in all directions, dead and dying. Hundreds of Russian soldiers were lying dead in all parts of the town. God forbid that I should witness such a dreadful view again.
Sept. 11. – My wound is better to-day. I rambled into Sebastopol, and brought out a cat and dog. The town is still burning in parts, and forts and magazines are occasionally being blown up. At night the burning town illuminates the heavens. The French and English fired rockets to two Russian steamers that have run ashore. They burnt with great fury all day. The Russians hoisted a flag to come over and bury their dead. They buried hundreds, and thousands were thrown into the water. Many corpses were floating in the harbour for weeks after.
Sept. 12. – Heavy firing from the north side of the town. The Russians do not appear satisfied at our being in the town.
Sept. 13. – Wrote a letter to England. Cholera has made its appearance in our camp.
Read the first installment of the Crimean War Diary written by John Harris and published in the Swindon Advertiser following his death in 1902.
Veterans of the Royal Artillery
The Crimean War Day by Day
(Special to the “Swindon Advertiser.”)
The death took place last week, as we have already announced, of a Crimean Veteran, in the person of Mr John Harris, of Sanford Street, Swindon, who passed away on Tuesday, July 29, at the age of 74 years.
As we announced the other day, we have, through the kindness of the deceased Mr Harris’ son, been granted a perusal of a diary kept by the veteran during the Crimean war, and from the diary we take the following, feeling confident that this unique history of that arduous campaign will contain records abounding with interest to the majority of our readers.
The writer opens his account with some very sentimental passages provoked by the scenes of farewell he witnessed when, as a sergeant in the K Battery of the Royal Artillery, he took leave of England for the seat of war. He opens as follows:-
Sailed 26th. – It was on one of those beautiful summer mornings very often seen on our shores in the latter end of July, 1855, at about 4 o’clock a.m., that her Majesty’s steamship, “the Atlanta,” weighed anchor, and steamed out of the harbour of Sheerness, with about 800 of the Royal Artillery, 185 horses, 60 officers and a crew of 150 men, bound for the Crimea. And there was many a sad and heavy heart partook of the hard and scanty meal of a breakfast, whilst others of a more noble mind were singing and whistling away as the vessel parted the foaming sea from her stately bows. I was on deck with several others pacing to and fro, smoking my pipe, whilst others were lounging and talking in various parts of the ships. Several of them were talking of home, and wondering whether they would ever behold their dear native place again. How many of those brave men left those shores on that bright sunny morning never to behold them again, and now rest on those ironbound and snowy hills of the Crimean shore, where there is no mark of respect to denote to the passer by or the stranger that beneath lie sons of England waiting to receive their Heavenly reward; those who went forth in the hour of need to share in the toils and hardships of a campaign, leaving those who were dear to them at home.
This week I am dedicating seven daily posts to one of Swindon’s extraordinary, ordinary people.
John Harris was born in 1828 and baptised at St Mary the Virgin, Bathwick on November 9. He was the son of John, a Flour Factor and Coal Merchant, and his wife Ann, and grew up in the Sydney Wharf area of Bathwick.
He appears at Sydney Wharf on the 1841 census, aged 12, the eldest of four brothers. By the time of the 1851 census he is serving in the ‘Royal Regm Artillery.’ On census night he is at home in Sydney Wharf, Bathwick with his widowed mother, his uncle Robert Roe and his two younger brothers Edward and Frederick.
Five years later he would serve in the Crimean War. He recorded the events of that time and on his death in 1902 this diary still survived. As the obituary published in the Swindon Advertiser records, the newspaper was given access to the diary and published extracts.
Read first about the life and times of John Harris.
Death of a Crimean Veteran
Mr J. Harris, of Sanford Street, Swindon
Some Remarkable Coincidences
There has just passed away, at the residence of his son, 24, Sanford Street, Swindon, an old soldier who could lay claim to the honour of being a Crimean Veteran, and one whose life was full of interesting incidents to the younger generation whose knowledge of the Crimea is gained from the classroom. We refer to Mr John Harris, who died last (Tuesday) evening after only a week or so of illness, at the age of 74 years.
It was in the year 1855 that the deceased sailed for the Crimea with the K Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery, a Regiment in which he held the rank of Sergeant, and which Regiment, by the way, was subsequently merged into the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Artillery, garrison duty out there being the principal work.
The deceased was a very observant man, and, moreover, of methodical nature, for, through the kindness of deceased’s son, we have in our possession a complete diary kept by the old soldier, containing entries referring to the passage out, the campaign, and the passage home. We hope to publish many extracts from this interesting compilation in our weekly issue on Friday next.
The deceased was wounded during the campaign, and here is a remarkable coincidence. The Brigade Surgeon was no other than Dr. G.M. Swinhoe, of Swindon, and one can well imagine the surprise of both when they met face to face in Swindon years after the Crimean war.
Strange to relate, the Chaplain attached to the same brigade was the deceased was the late Rev. Campbell, whose place in Swindon, was taken by Canon the Hon. M. Ponsonby, at St. Mark’s Church, Swindon. Dr. Swinhoe, we may add, attended the old soldier up to the time of his death.
The deceased, who was a native of Bath, obtained a berth in the GWR Works, at Swindon, which he held for many years. Locally his scholastic ability was taken advantage of by the Ancient Order of Shepherds, he holding the position of Secretary and Master for many years. When he relinquished the post in 1882 he was made the recipient of a handsome illuminated address.
Mr Harris was a God-fearing man, a fact evidenced if only by reference to the diary already referred to, the scriptural quotations, particularly after the recording of some calamity, being very apt.
Deceased was a churchwarden at St. Paul’s, Swindon for some time.
He leaves a widow, and one son and a daughter to mourn the loss of a loving husband and a devoted father.
Radnor Street Cemetery 