dhubthaigh
Our first ever 1000-poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 5071
Location: Blairgowrie, Perthshire
|
 Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 2:46 pm Post subject: ROBERT WILLIAM & JOHN WRIGHT HENDERSON (Brothers) |
 |
|
Located within the Chapel at Glenalmond College;
I wasn't sure about this memorial but on reflection, albeit civilians, it bears witness to the courage and subsequent death of brothers during the Siege of Cawnpore;
UPPER PLAQUE:
From:
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHAPEL
On the west wall of the balcony an array of brass plaques catches the eye. All are in latin and few visitors probably give them more than a passing glance. Yet there is a story behind each one and none tells a tale of greater bravery than that of the Henderson brothers - Robert William and John Wright. Both were members of the first intake at Glenalmond. Both became Captain of the School (in 1852 and 1853 respectively). Both died on the 27th June, 1857 at the Siege of Cawnpore.
They were just two of over 1000 Britons, including 300 women and children who lost their lives that day as they tried to leave Cawnpore after the leader of the mutineers offered them safe conduct and boats in which to escape. They were shot by the mutineers as they tried to leave.
An eyewitness, and one of only four survivors, reported that Robert was shot in the hand and, despite being supported by his brother, drowned shortly after the massacre began. The same eyewitness testified to the high spirits and endurance displayed by John throughout the siege. After his heroic attempts to save his brother, he managed to reach a boat which had not been sunk. It seems, however, that he was shot while trying to defend the boat and its occupants from mutineers.
Amabiles et decori in vita sua neque in morte quoque sunt divisi
In their life they were both loveable and noble and in their death also they were not divided |
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
