John George Farndale
26 October 1836 to 21 February 1909
FAR00337
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John George Farndale’s Story is told as part
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notes.
Printer’s apprentice before he emigrated to Ontario (possibly via
Australia)
He took part in the
battles of Alma, Balaclava and Inkerman and was at the Siege of Sebastopol
He then settled in Ontario where he was a labourer and
then farmed.
Headlines of John Farndale’s life are in brown.
Dates are in red.
Hyperlinks to other pages are in dark blue.
References and citations are in turquoise.
Context and local history are in purple.
See
also the Ontario Farndales.
1836
John George Farndale was
born 26 on October 1836, the son of John & Martha Farndale (FAR00217), farmer of Skelton. He was baptised Skelton on 27 November 1836 (Skelton PR).
1841
The 1841 of Census,
for Coatham Stob, Long Newton listed John
Farndale, 45, a farmer; William Farndale, 10; Mary Farndale, 9; Teresa
Farndale, 8; John Farndale, 5; Charles Farndale, 3; John Farndale, 15,
male servant; Matthew Farndale, male servant, 12; John Malburn, 25, male
servant; Thomas Shirt, 15, male servant; Mary Disson, 24, housekeeper.
1851
The Census of 1851 for Skelton listed John
H (sic) Farndale, aged 14; a printer’s apprentice at Skelton, lodging with Timothy
Robinson. This was the same year that his father, John Farndale who later
became an author, was made bankrupt.
At
some point John joined the army. It
is probable that he did so under a false name. If he had not completed his
apprenticeship, then the army would have been bound to hand him to the
responsible authorities. There may also have been family disapproval at him
joining the Army.
He
appears to have joined the Army with a fellow apprentice, Thomas Hind.
1853
John George Farndale was a
soldier in The Crimea. He may have initially joined the Coldstream Guards
(he would have been aged about 15), and then joined the 28th Regiment of Foot.
There
may have been some relationship between the Coldstream Guards and the 28th of
foot. For instance the Morning Post, 27 December 1854: Lord
Bownlow Cecil has been gazetted to a captaincy in the
Coldstream Guards. His lordship has lately served in the 28th Foot.
The 28th Regiment of Foot was a line infantry regiment of
the British Army, raised in 1694. In 1881 the Regiment amalgamated with the
61st (South Gloucestershire) Regiment of Foot to form the Gloucestershire
Regiment. The Regiment served in India from 1842 to 1848 and fought at the
Battle of Alma in September 1854, the Battle of Inkerman in November 1854 and
the Siege of Sevastopol in winter 1854 during the Crimean War. It then served
in India from 1858 to 1865, before spending further time in the Mediterranean.
On 16 July 1852, Lieutenant
Colonel Frank Adams was in command and the 28th of Foot were stationed in
Yorkshire, Tyneside and Northumberland areas. The Regiment was initially at
Newcastle with detachments at Sunderland, Tynemouth and Carlisle. In May 1853,
the Regimental Headquarters moved to Leeds, with detachments in Bradford,
Hull, Scarborough and Barnsley.
The British Army Despatch, Horse Guards, Ordnance and
East India Company's Military Service Record, 19 March 1852 recorded an order for units
including the 28th Foot, from its headquarters in Newcastle, to send
parties to Woolwich next week for practice at the Royal Arsenal and in the
Marshes. The Newcastle Guardian and
Tyne Mercury, 15 May 1852 reported that a royal
salute was fired for the Queen’s Birthday by detachments of artillery and the
28th Regiment of Foot from the Spanish Battery in the Castle Yard at
Tynemouth. The Morning Herald (London)
on 6 September 1852 reported that Captain
Andrews of the 28th Regiment of Foot was engaged in interesting
excavations at Tynemouth Priory. The Saint
James's Chronicle, 20 November 1852 reported
on the 28th Regiment of Foot’s part in the solemn ceremony at
Newcastle upon Tyne on the death of Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of
Wellington.
The York Herald, 18 June 1853 reported that the 28th
Regiment of Foot were engaged in training the Second West York Light Infantry
Regiment of Militia and ’making the privates proficient in military tactics’.
The Yorkshire Gazette, 23
July 1853 reported: MILITARY
ENCAMPMENT AT SCARBOROUGH. On Saturday last, detachments of the 28th
Regiment of Foot arrived at Scarborough from Hull and Bradford, numbering
together about 90 rank and file, and they're now encamped in the Castle Yard,
for the purpose of practising rifle shooting with the Minie rifle. The practise
commenced on Monday, and has continued during the week, attracting great
numbers of spectators. Each detachment will be employed about 16 days in
firing, when they will be relieved by other detachments from the same Regiment.
The Northern Standard, 23 July 1853: STATIONS OF REGIMENTS AND DEPOTS
TO THE 1ST JULY 1853: … Infantry … 28th – Newcastle …
The Sun (London),
31 December 1853 reported
on three companies of the 28th Foot being dispatched to help
extinguish a fire at a warehouse in Bradford.
The
Crimean War
arose at a time of the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the expansion of
Russia in the preceding Russo-Turkish Wars. The British and French preferred to
preserve the Ottoman Empire to maintain the balance of power in central Europe.
A flashpoint arose by a disagreement over the rights of Christian minorities in
Palestine, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. The French promoted the
rights of the Catholics and Russia promoted the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Napoleon III and Tsar Nicolas I of Russia each refused to back down. Nicholas
sent an ultimatum demanding the orthodox subjects of the Ottoman Empire be
placed under his protection. Britain attempted to mediate and Nicholas agreed
to a compromise, but when the Ottomans demanded changes to the agreement,
Nicholas prepared for War.
In
July 1853 Russian Troops entered the Danubian Principalities (now part of
Romania) and in October, with promises of support from France and Britain, the
Ottomans declared War on Russia. The Ottomans led by Omar Pasha fought a strong
defensive campaign.
Public
opinion was hostile to Russia and Austria and Napoleon III was ready for action
against Russia. The British and French both saw intervention as a struggle
against tyranny.
By
January 1854, the British and French were worried about an Ottoman defeat and
entered the Black Sea. The Allies decided that they would attack Russia’s
main naval base in the Black Sea at Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula. The
Italian Kingdom of Sardinia also sent an expeditionary force to Crimea to join
the French, British and the Ottomans.
On
14 September 1854, The Allies, comprising the British, French, Ottoman and
Sardinian Forces, landed at Eupatoira. They planned to march immediately upon
Sevastopol (known as Sebastopol by the British), which was the capitol of The
Crimea.
We know from his letters home (see below) that John George
Farndale took part in the battles of Alma, Balaclava and
Inkerman and was at the Siege of Sebastopol.
22 February 1854
The 28th Regiment
of Foot sailed for the Mediterranean.
The London Evening Standard, 11 February 1854: THE ACTIVE PREPARATIONNS FOR WAR. Every
day, every hour, furnishes additional matter for observation and comment on the
immense exertions being made to meet the requirements of the coming war, the
campaign on land, the operations of our naval forces at sea. With respect to
the Army, we may now repeat with confidence that the number of troops to be
dispatched at once is 10,000 officers and men. But as many more will be held in
readiness to reinforce the British contingent, should necessity demand their
services in the east. If possible, the following will proceed on the 18th or
19th: three battalions of the Guards, 7th Regiment of Foot, 28th
Regiment of Foot, 33rd Regiment of Foot, 79th Regiment of Foot, 2d
Battalion of Rifles, 4 companies of Artillery...
The Sun (London),
13 February 1854: THE LINE
REGIMENTS. The following, making 10 battalions of 1,000 strong each, are
expected to embark immediately for the Mediterranean stations: … the 2d
battalion of the Coldstream Guards, at present in the Tower of London … the 28th
Foot, stationed at Leeds..,
The Dublin
Mercantile Advertiser, and Weekly Price Current, 17 February 1854: PREPARATIONS FOR WAR … on Thursday
at noon, the 28th Regiment of Foot left Leeds, en route for Constantinople.
Immense excitement attended their departure. From the barracks to the
railway station they were most enthusiastically cheered by thousands of
spectators, who filled the streets. It is estimated that no not less than
60,000 persons assembled to see them off. So strong a war spirit has never
before been manifested in the town, and it was with difficulty that the
soldiers could pass through the streets. The 28th went to Preston, and
will embark probably on Saturday, on board the Niagara, at Liverpool, for their
destination... The Yorkshire Gazette, 18 February 1854: The 28th
Regiment of Foot marched from Leeds barracks on Wednesday en route for the
East. They left the town amidst the greetings of thousands of spectators.
The Chelmsford
Chronicle, 17 February 1854: THE WAR WITH
RUSSIA … THE MILITARY EXPEDITION … the Government has chartered the
Peninsula and Oriental Company’s steamers Himalaya, Ripon, and Manilla for the
conveyance of troops. The three vessels will carry about 3,500 soldiers. The
troops will be victualled by the company. … The number of troops to be
dispatched at once is 10,000 officers and men, but as many more will be held in
readiness to reinforce the British contingent, should necessity demand their
services in the east. If possible the following will proceed on the 18th or
19th:... 28th Regiment of Foot …
The Albion, 20 February 1854: Wednesday is fixed for the departure of the 28th
Regiment from Liverpool in the Niagara … 28th Regiment of Foot left
Leeds on Monday, en route for Liverpool. Immense excitement attended their
departure … Liverpool. The Cunard steamer Niagara, Captain Leitch, will take
her departure from the Mersey, in her new character as one of her Majesty's
troop ships, on Wednesday next, with the gallant 28th Regiment, about one
thousand strong, on board. She is now in the river, her fittings having
been completed, and received the approbation of the Admiralty agents. The
figurehead and cutwater of the Niagara have been removed. On the exciting
occasion of the embarkation, she will in all probability be anchored in the
Sloyne, and the troops will be taken on board by one of the Cunard’s tenders,
either from the Prince’s Pier or the Great Landing Stage. The 28th regiment is
now at Preston. They will enter the town, it is thought, on Wednesday, when we
have no doubt they will receive in enthusiastic reception from her Majesty's
good lieges of Liverpool. The 28th Regiment distinguished itself at Quartre
Bras, and has on its colours Corunna, Albuera, Vittoria, and Waterloo...
The Liverpool Mail,
25 February 1854: EMBARKATION OF TROOPS FROM LIVERPOOL. Few events of
late years have created so great a sensation in Liverpool as the embarkation
of the 28th Regiment of Foot for Malta, which took place on Wednesday
morning. From an early hour the streets, more particularly in the neighbourhood
of the Tithebarn Street Station and the Exchange Buildings were filled by a
dense crowd of persons, of every class of the community, high, low, rich and
poor, all animated by the same excitement and the desire of bidding farewell to
one of the most famous Regiments in the service, previous to its departure for
the East, to defend the honour of Great Britain and humble the presumption of
the universally detested Russians. The Liverpool Albion, 27 February 1854:
EMBARKATION OF TROOPS FROM LIVERPOOL. On Wednesday morning four companies of
the 28th Regiment of Foot, being in all about 850 men, rank and file, arrived
at Liverpool by the East Lancashire Railway, from Preston, under the command of
Lieutenant Colonel Adams. A large and enthusiastic multitude of people followed
them, cheering vehemently, to the Exchange Area, and thence to the landing
stage, where they were speedily embarked on board the Cunard steamer Niagara,
Leitch, commander, which lay at anchor in the Sloyne. The scene of embarkation
was intensely spirited...
The Westmeath
Guardian and Longford News-Letter, 20 April 1854. DEPARTURE OF THE TROOPS FROM MALTA. MALTA, APRIL 7TH. … The
Cyclops and the Vesuvius, with the 28th Regiment and two companies of the 50th
Regiment are ready for sea …
14 September 1854
On 4 November
1854, John Farndale wrote to his father that he had landed without
opposition September 14th, and started for Alma on the 18th.
20 September 1854
The main Anglo
French effort was aimed at destroying the Black Sea naval base at Sebastopol to
remove the amphibious thgreate to Constantinople.
This
was the first war which was borught directly to public knowledge by the press
led by the pioneering Times correspondent, William Howard
Russell, early
photography and the work of Alfred Tennyson.
On 4 November
1854, John Farndale wrote to his father: On the 20th we were
before Alma, and commenced the attack about eleven o’clock against 50,000
Russians, and defeated them after three hours’ cannonading and musketry;
and it took us two days to bury the dead, and send our wounded on board ship
for Scurati.
The Battle of
Alma. The first battle of the War. An Anglo French Force defeated the
Russian opposition. Alma was the
first major encounter fought in the Crimean Peninsula since the Allied landings
at Kalamita Bay on 14 September, and was a clear battlefield success; but a
tardy pursuit by the Allies failed to gain a decisive victory, allowing the
Russians to regroup, recover and prepare their defence.
Map of the Battle
of Alma
The Sligo Journal,
27 October 1854 reported
an official return of wounded at the Alma, from the general hospital at
Scutari, at Instanbul, where Florence Nightgale made her name. It reported 582
wounded between 22 and 28 October, with 72 amputations, and a further 500
admitted since 28 September.
Early October 1854
John George
Farndale continued: We then started for Sebastopol, and reached it after eight or
nine days’ march; we had to go a great way round. As soon as we got in front
and settled, we commenced throwing up batteries and breast works, under fire of
the enemy. We finished them after about five days and nights’ hard working, and
opened fire on them on the 17th of last month, and have been battering away
ever since, and are likely to continue doing so for some time to come. We
have greater opposition than we expected. There was a faint attack made
on our rear army a few days ago, which cut up our cavalry fearfully, but were defeated
in the end. Our loss is not so great, considering all the circumstances of the
case. I have escaped as yet, thank God! I have had a narrow escape: one
morning, as we were relieving guard, two privates and a sergeant were shot
close by me with one ball.
The Allies
decided against a slow assault on Sebastopol and instead prepared for a
protracted siege. The British, under the command of Lord Raglan, and the
French, under Canrobert, positioned their troops to the south of the port on
the Chersonese Peninsula: the French Army occupied the bay of Kamiesch on the
west coast whilst the British moved to the southern port of Balaclava. French
and British engineers started to build siege lines along the uplands south of
Sebastopol, from their base at Balaklava. By 5 October the Allies had 120 guns
ready to fire and the Russians had about three times as many. An artillery
battle began. The Allied Fleet pounded Russian defences.
However, the
Allied position committed the British to the defence of the right flank of the
Allied siege operations, for which Raglan had insufficient troops.
The Daily News
(London), 7 November 1854: NOMINAL RETURN OF CASULATIES FROM OCTOBER 18 TO 21,
1854, BOTH DAYS INCLUSIVE: … 28TH REGMENT OF FOOT. Killed: Colour
Sergeant W Faulkner, and Private S Door. WOUNDED – Privates J Bailey, P Daley,
J Tinson, J Tinson, F Cavan.
Lord Raglan’s dispatches were reported in the Dublin Evening
Mail, 8 November 1854: FURTHER OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. “Before Sebastopol, Oct 23.
MY LORD DUKE. The operations of the siege have been carried on unremittingly
since I addressed your grace on the 18th instant. On that afternoon, the French
batteries not having been able to reopen, the enemy directed their guns almost
exclusively on the British entrenchments cover and maintained a very heavy fire
upon them till the day closed, with less damage, I am happy to say, to the
works, and with fewer casualties, than might have been anticipated.... A
considerable body of Russians appeared 2 days ago in the vicinity of Balaclava,
but they have since withdrawn and are no longer to be seen on our front...”
25 October 1854
The Battle
of Balaklava. This gave the Russians
a morale boost and convinced them that the Allied lines were spread too thinly.
The battle began with a Russian artillery and
infantry attack on the Ottoman redoubts that formed Balaclava's first
line of defence on the Vorontsov Heights. The Ottoman forces initially resisted
the Russian assaults, but lacking support they were eventually forced to
retreat.
When the redoubts fell, the Russian cavalry moved to engage
the second defensive line in the South Valley, held by the Ottoman and the
British 93rd Highland Regiment in what came to be known as the
"Thin Red Line". This line held and repulsed the attack; as did
General 's British Heavy Brigade who charged and defeated the
greater proportion of the cavalry advance, forcing the Russians onto the
defensive. However, a final Allied cavalry charge, stemming from a
misinterpreted order from Raglan, led to one of the most famous and
ill-fated events in British military history – the Charge of the Light
Brigade.
The thin red line
The charge of the light brigade
The Charge of the Light Brigade, BY ALFRED, LORD
TENNYSON
|
I Half
a league, half a league, Half
a league onward, All
in the valley of Death Rode
the six hundred. “Forward,
the Light Brigade! Charge
for the guns!” he said. Into
the valley of Death Rode
the six hundred. |
II “Forward,
the Light Brigade!” Was
there a man dismayed? Not
though the soldier knew Someone
had blundered. Theirs
not to make reply, Theirs
not to reason why, Theirs
but to do and die. Into
the valley of Death Rode
the six hundred. |
III Cannon
to right of them, Cannon
to left of them, Cannon
in front of them Volleyed
and thundered; Stormed
at with shot and shell, Boldly
they rode and well, Into
the jaws of Death, Into
the mouth of hell Rode
the six hundred. |
IV Flashed
all their sabres bare, Flashed
as they turned in air Sabring
the gunners there, Charging
an army, while All
the world wondered. Plunged
in the battery-smoke Right
through the line they broke; Cossack
and Russian Reeled
from the sabre stroke Shattered
and sundered. Then
they rode back, but not Not
the six hundred. |
V Cannon
to right of them, Cannon
to left of them, Cannon
behind them Volleyed
and thundered; Stormed
at with shot and shell, While
horse and hero fell. They
that had fought so well Came
through the jaws of Death, Back
from the mouth of hell, All
that was left of them, Left
of six hundred. |
VI When
can their glory fade? O
the wild charge they made! All
the world wondered. Honour
the charge they made! Honour
the Light Brigade, Noble
six hundred! |
There is an In Our Time podcast on the
Charge of the Light Brigade.
The Hereford Journal, 15 November 1854:
THE BATTLE OF BALAKLAVA.
English (sic, recte British) Killed,
190; Wounded, 365. …
LORD RAGLAN TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE
Before Sebastopol, October 28, 1854
The enemy attacked the position in front
of Balaclava at an early hour on the morning of the 25th inst.
The low range of heights that runs
across the plain at the bottom of which the town is placed, was protected by
four small redoubts hastily constructed. Three of these had guns in them, and
on a higher hill before the village of Camara, in advance of our right flank,
was established a work of somewhat more importance....
These several redoubts were garrisoned
by Turkish troops, no other force being at my disposal for their occupation.
The 93rd Highlanders was the only
British Regiment in the plain, with the exception of a battalion of detachments
composed of weakly men, and a battery of artillery belonging to the third
division; and on the heights behind our right were placed the marines...
The enemy commence their operation by
attacking the work on our side of the village of Camara, and, after very little resistance,
carried it.
They likewise got possession of the
three others in contiguity to it, being opposed only in one, and that but for a
very short space of time.
The furthest of the three they did not
retain, but the immediate abandonment of the others enabled them to take
possession of the guns in them, amounting in whole to seven. Those in three
lesser forts were spiked by the one English artillerymen who was in each.
The Russian cavalry at once advanced
supported by artillery in very great strength. One portion of them are assailed
to the front and right flank of the 93rd, and were instantly driven back by the
vigorous and steady fire of that distinguished regiment under Lieutenant
Colonel Ainsley.
The other and larger mass turned towards
Her Majesty's heavy cavalry, and afforded Brigadier General Scarlett, under
the guidance of Lieutenant General the Earl of Lucan, the opportunity of
inflicting upon them a most signal defeat. The ground was very unfavourable
for the attack of our dragoons, but no obstacle was sufficient to check their
advance, and they charged into the Russian column, which soon sought safety in
flight, although far in far superior in numbers.
The charge of this brigade was one of
the most successful I ever witnessed, was never for a moment doubtful, and is in the highest
degree creditable to Brigadier General Scarlett and the officers and men who
engaged in it.
As the enemy withdrew from the ground
which they had momentarily occupied, I directed the cavalry, supported by
the 4th division, under Lieutenant General Sir George Cathcart, to move
forward, and take advantage of at any opportunity to regain the heights; and
not having been able to accomplish this immediately, and it appearing that an
attempt was making to remove the captured guns, the Earl of Lucan was desired
to advance rapidly, follow the enemy in their retreat, and tried to prevent
them from affecting their objects.
In the meanwhile the Russians had time
to reform on their own ground, with artillery in front and upon their flanks.
From some misconception of the
instruction to advance, the Lieutenant General considered that he was bound to
attack at all hazards, and he accordingly ordered Major General the Earl of Cardigan to move
forward with the light brigade.
This order was obeyed in the most
spirited and gallant manner. Lord Cardigan charged with the utmost vigour, attacked a battery which
was firing upon the advancing squadrons, and, having passed beyond it, engaged
the Russian cavalry in its rear; but there his troops were assailed by
artillery and infantry, as well as cavalry, and necessarily retired, after
having committed much havoc upon the enemy. …
The Earl of Lucan not having sent me the
names of the other officers who distinguished themselves, I proposed to forward
them by my next opportunity.
The enemy made no further movement in
advance, and at the close of the day, the brigade of Guards of the 1st Division
and the 4th division returned to their original encampment, as did the French
troops, with the exception of 1 brigade of the first vision, which General
Canrobert was so good as to leave in support of Sir Robert Sir Colin Campbell.
The remaining regiments of the Highland
Brigade also remained in the valley. …
CASULATIES FROM 22ND TO 26TH
OCTOBER, INCLUSIVE … 28th Foot: 1 wounded.
The Daily News
(London), 18 November 1854. LISTS OF
KILLED AND WOUNDED … October 25 … 28th REGIMENT OF FOOT. WOUNDED.
Private Edmd Flaherty, slightly.
4 November 1854
John George
Farndale wrote:
“Heights of
Sebastopol, November 4th, 1854.
Dear Father.
I received your
letter of 26th of last month, and was glad to hear that you were all
well and in the enjoyment of health. I suppose your papers in England say
that Sebastopol is taken, but I can tell you very differently. It is now
seventeen days since we commenced the attack on the town, and there is no sign
of it being taken yet. I thought we should have had it by now, but I assure you
it is no easy task.
Since I wrote
last we have had great ravages in the army – the first by sickness;
then the cholera came amongst us and swept a great many away.
We then went on
board for Russia, in the latter part of August, and landed without
opposition September 14th, and started for Alma on the 18th. On
the 20th we were before Alma, and commenced the attack
about eleven o’clock against 50,000 Russians, and defeated them
after three hours’ cannonading and musketry; and it took us two days
to bury the dead, and send our wounded on board ship for Scurati.
I think I have
given you all particulars up to the present.
Next time I
write, I hope Sebastopol will have fallen.
Your affectionate
son.
John George
Farndale.”
5 November 1854
The Battle of
Inkerman. The Russians were defeated, so moved their forces inside the
city.
The Leeds Times, 25
November 1854: RETURN OF CASUALTIES FROM 2ND TO 6TH
NOVEMBER, 1854, INCLUSIVE … 28th Regiment – 1 rank and file wounded
… The London Evening Standard, 12 December 1854: November 6. 28th
Regiment of Foot. Private 2259 Christopher Manison.
Towards the end
of November a winter storm ruined the Allied camp and supply lines and men and
horses starved in the appalling conditions.
The Sun (London),
12 December 1854. War department, 10 AM, December 11. His Grace the Duke
of Newcastle has this day received dispatches and enclosures, of which the
following are copies to his grace by Field Marshall the Lord Raglan, GCB. No
110. Before Sebastopol, November 23, 1854. My Lord Duke. The Russian advanced
posts in front of our left attack having taken up a position which incommoded
our troops in the trenches, and occasioned not a few casualties, and at the
same time took in reverse the French troops working in their lines, a representation
of which was made to me by our own officers...
The weather is again very bad comma and steady rain is constantly
falling. I attach the niominal luist of killed and wopunded at thebattle of
Inkerman … 28th Foot – 1 rank and file wounded. …
The Siege of
Sebastopol.
December 1854
The Nottinghamshire
Guardian, 28 December 1854: RETURN OF CASUALTIES FROM THE 27TH OF
NOVEMBER TO THE 5TH OF DECEMBER, BOTH DAYS INCLUSIVE … 28TH
Foot – 2 rank and file killed; 8 rank and file wounded … J B BUCKNALL ESTCOURT,
Adjutant General … NOMINAL RETURN OF NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN KILLED,
FROM THE 27TH OF NOVEMBER TO THE 5TH OF DECEMBER, BOTH
DAYS INCLUSIVE … Killed, November 29, 28th Regiment of Foot –
Private Michael Fitzgerald … December 5 … 28th Regiment of Foot –
Private Patten Smith … The Weekly
Chronicle (London), 30 December 1854: Nominal return of Non comissioned
officers and men killd from 27th November to 5th
December, 1854 … Killed … 28th Regiment olf Foolt – Private Patten
Smith … WOUNDED … 28th Regiment of Foot – Private James Steale,
slightly …
The Limerick
and Clare Examiner, 3 January 1855: 5th December … 28th
Regiment of Foot – Privates – Joseph Take, severely; Michael Hagerty,
severely; Patrick Kelly, slightly; S Mountain, severely, T C Irwin, slightly.
The Sun
(London), 9 January 1855: Dec 22 … 28th Regiment of Foot. Private
Charles Smith, slightly …
January 1855
John Farndale was promoted to Lance Corporal, in about
January 1855.
The Dublin Evening
Mail, 1 January 1855:
DESPATCH FROM
LORD RAGLAN.
… Before
Sebastopol, December 13.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
DEC 20th 10,30AM. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle has this day
received a dispatch, of which the following is a copy, addressed to his Grace
by Field Marshall Lord Raglan GCB:
My Lord Duke.
Your grace will be happy to hear that the weather has continued fine.
Since the time I
had the honour to address your Grace, on the 8th instant, the enemy has made no
movement of importance, and nothing of any consequence has taken place before
Sebastapol.
The Russians
moved upon our advanced picquets in front of our left attack the night before
last, in some force, but they were instantly driven back by a detachment of the
first battalion rifle brigade on the right, and by one of the 46th on the left.
The firing, however, was kept up for some time, and the third and fourth
divisions were held in readiness to support in case their assistance should be
required.
I enclose the
return of casualties to the 10th instant. I am etc...
28th
Regiment – 2 rank and file, killed; 8 rank and file wounded …
Soime of John’s
colleagues were being evacuated to Scutari, under the care of Florence
Nightingale in January 1855. The London Evening Standard, 3 February 1855: THE SICK AND
DEAD AT SCUTARI, JAN 22 … Private Charles Bridgewater, 28th Foot,
dysentery, Jan 19 … Private John Palmer, 28th Regt, diarrhoea, Jan
16 …
February 1855
John Farndale was
laid up in my tent with frost bitten feet nearly all this month, but I am
better again and fit for duty and later wrote:
John George
Farndale wrote:
“Camp before
Sebastopol.
I now take the
first opportunity of writing to you hoping you are in good health as I am at
present. I received your letter on the 5th of this month and also
the newspaper and was glad to hear from you.
You are in great
haste to hear from me again, you hardly will give time to write! I have been for
writing all this month but had not the ink. I had to send to Balaclava for it.
I have been laid up in my tent with frost bitten feet nearly all this
month, but I am better again and fit for duty.
I have had capitol
health ever since I landed in the Crimea, thank God for it. I can assure
you there is very few of the old hands left now of what came out with us
from England.
The Colonel
received your letter and thinks that I never write to you by the way you write.
As to the
promotion you were talking about, I received the Lance Stripe about a month
ago. The Colonel promised to push me forward if I minded myself, but he was
afraid to promote me sooner on account of being so very young.
You also mention
in your last that you heard from D W Waldy that I was slightly wounded. I never
received any wound more than a slight cut on the nose from a stone that was
sent up from a ball.
The siege is
progressing very slowly but I think we will soon open a new siege. Things begin to
look a little better. We have received the winter clothing and are getting
provisions a little better. We want the wooden houses next, although
I think as we have done so long without, we could manage without them
altogether. However I hope that before you get this, Sebastopol will be ours
and then we will be thinking about returning to old England again.
I think I have
given you all the news I can at present.
The Colonel will
send you a few lines in this letter of mine.
I am getting
tired and want to go to bed, so I must conclude with kind love to brothers and
sisters and all enquiring friends. I accept the same yourself.
Your affectionate
son.
J G Farndale.”
There appears to
be a reference to an Edward Waldy appointed Ensign to the 28th Foot
in the
Globe on 16 July 1853. The Northern Standard,
23 July 1853 refered
to Edward Garntonsvay Waldy, a gentleman appointed as Ensign to 28th
Foot. The Newcastle
Journal, 7 October 1854: Northern
officers in the Crimea. The following officers, connected with
families in this immediate district, are now engaged in the Expeditionary
force in the east, and no doubt shared in the dangers and glories of the battle
of Alma and the operations before Sebastapol. In the absence of official
returns, as to the killed and wounded on these sanguinary occasions, the
fate of our gallant countrymen is an object to the deepest interest to their
families and friends. That they may have been mercifully preserved in the
awful struggle to which they have been exposed, and that they may have
distinguished themselves by acts of courage and humanity in a manner worthy of
their country and county, is the ardent wish of all who are familiar with their
brave and noble spirits: … Ensign Edw G Waldy, 28th Foot, son of
T W Waldy, Esq of Eaglescliffe. The Newcastle Courant, 13 October 1854: THE KILLED ASND
WOULDED OFFICERS. … Besides the above, the following oficers, connected with
the families of this immediate district, are engaged in the Expeditionary
Forces in the Eatys, and no doubt bared the dangers and glories of the Battle
of Alma, and the operations before Sebastopol: … Ensign Edward G Waldy, 28th
Foot, son of T W Waldy, Esq if Eaglescliffe … The Durham County
Advertiser, 13 October 1854. THE OFFICERS IN THE CRIMEA. The following is a
list of the officers connected with families in the North of England, who are
now serving in the Crimean expedition: … Ensign Edward G Waldy, 28th
Foot, son of T W Waldy, Esq if Eaglescliffe …
Easglescliffe is
a borough of Stockton on Tees. So this must be the Ensign whose farther was D
(T sic?) W Waldy in John Farndale’s letter.
The Nottinghamshire
Guardian, 15 February 1855:
AUGMENTATION OF INFANTRY AND CAVALRY. The following infantry regiments are
forthwith to have each a second battalion of 190 companies of 100 men each,
thus increasing their strength respectively by 1,000 bayonets, viz … 28th
Foot …
The Hampshire
Advertiser, 17 February 1855:
DESPATCH FROM
LORD RAGLAN.
Before
Sebastopol, January 27. My Lord Duke, I have the satisfaction to acquaint your
Grace that the weather continues fine. There are severe frosts at night;
but the sun shines brightly through the day, and there is an absence of wind,
which , while it continued, added considerably to the sufferings of the troops.
Every exertion is making by public transport and individually in getting
huts up; but this is the most difficult operation, and the ground
is so rotten that it is a most arduous labour to pass along it. The
extremely confined space of Balaclava, and the vast accumulation of stores,
have obliged me to erect huts at some distance outside the town for their
reception. I enclose the list of casualties to the 25th inst inclusive. I have
etc, Raglan, His grace the Duke of Newcastle etc.
Nominal return of
non commissioned officers and privates wounded from the 22nd to the 23rd of
January inclusive. Wounded January 22: ... 28th Regiment of Foot - Private John
Rogers, slightly. … January 24. 28th Regiment of Foot - Private Richard
M’Gainey, severely... January 25. 28th Regiment of Foot - Private Patrick
Hogan, severely.
Spring 1855
The Allies
started to restore their supply lines after the winter ended. A new Grand
Crimean Central Railway was built by the end of March 1855 and brought supplies
to Balaklava and the siege lines, delivering over 500 guns and significant
amounts of ammunition. The Allies resumed their bombardment on 8 April 1855.
John George
Farndale wrote:
“Camp before
Sebastopol. 1855
Dear Sir.
I now hasten to
answer your letter which I received this morning. I was glad to hear from I
assume you! My father oft mentions you in his letters. I have had a
letter written these two or three days waiting for the mail to send to father.
I have to say you have had all particulars from him about the war. You ask
when will we get into Sebastopol? I can tell you we are making great
preparations. We are getting a great many more guns than we had before, and
mortars which will fire 112 pounders, which will shake Sebastopol. And
if they do not give up then, we will storm it by force. English, French and
Turks. There will be a great many lives lost in taking it, we have lost all
our army we have brought with us. They are all young soldiers who have
come out last.
If I live to see
it over and get back to old England again, which by the
blessing of God I hope to do, I will tell you tales that will make your hair
stand on end!
You ask if all
accounts were true about what I sent you. I can assure you it was but too true.
Now the weather
is a great deal warmer and better provisions.
When the main
army has gone to the grave, any man who has got …”
A 13 inch mortar
in action, 1855
August 1855
On 24 August
1855 the Allies started their most severe bombardment.
The Battle of
Tchernaya.
September 1855
The Battle of
Redan. The British assault on the Great Redan failed.
8 September 1855
The Battle of
Malakoff. The French seized the Malakoff redoubt, making the Russian defence
untenable.
On 28 August
1855 the Russians abandoned the southern side of Sebastopol. The fall of
Sebastopol led to Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War, but cost heavy Allied
casualties. The Crimean War was one of the first campaigns which used
techniques of modern warfare including explosive naval shells, railways and
telegraphs. But the War showed significant logistical, medical and tactical
failures and led to the professionalism of medicine led by Florence
Nightingale. The Imperial Russian Army would take decades to recover and the
defeat would be a catalyst for social reforms and the abolition of serfdom in
Russia.
Crimean War Medal
of Ralph Webster of 28th Regiment in Crimea
Research Notes regarding John Farndale’s service during the
Crimean War.
It is very difficult to track him down to the military records. It seems
likely that he used an assumed name, as a runway apprentice.
The Gorst Research:
… I am therefore sure that he was with the 28th Regiment of foot under an
assumed name. One piece of information gives reason for this. Besides the
probable family disapproval is the fact that he was a runaway apprentice. If he
had not completed his apprenticeship, then the Army would have been bound to
hand him over to the responsible authorities. The Army or Regiment had no
choice in the matter. It was clearly laid down in the muster books that any
apprentice who had not completed his time had upon discovery to be given up.
Therefore if John George Farndale did run away from an uncompleted
apprenticeship, then he would have had to enlist under a false name. One of the
questions on the attestation papers signed by any recruit was concerned with
any apprenticeship….
The Dagger & Dagger research:
The Hilary Marshall research:
1858
After the
Crimean Wars, the 28th of Foot served in India from 1858 to 1865.
There was a Pte John Farndale, discharged from the Grenadier
Regiment of Guards on 25 May 1872, of very good character. This doesn’t match
the date he went to Canada, but it is possible that he went to Canada a little
later, after he was discharged. As we know John George Farndale was promoted to
Lance Corporal in January 1855, this probably wasn’t him.
1870
John George Farndale, went to Canada in
1870 and there is an un-substantiated story that he went to Australia first. He
lived the rest of his life in Ontario Canada (Family letters).
John George Farndale visited England twice in 1890
and in 1901. See Letters.
1880
John George Farndale, 43, a Methodist, the son of
John and Martha Farndale, of Yorkshire, England (FAR00217), married
Elizabeth Sanderson aged 27, a Methodist, daughter of Richard
and Martha Sanderson of Vaughan, Ontario, at Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, on
24th March 1880. The witnesses were Thomas and Jane Sanderson. The Reverend J
Thompson officiated. (MC).
1881
The 1881 Census for Vaughan listed John G Farindail (John G
Farndale), 43, a
labourer and Lisebeth Farindail, 29.
Charles Farndale was born Ontario on 21 May 1881 (FAR00572), the son of John
Farndale and Elizabeth nee Saunders. John was a labourer of Lot 18, Vaughan (Family letters).
1882
George Farndale was born Ontario on 20 December
1882 (FAR00580), the son of
John George Farndale and Elizabeth nee Sanderson. John was a labourer at
Vaughan (Family letters).
1884
Albert Farndale was born Ontario 5 May 1884 (FAR00598), the son of J
Farndale and Elizabeth Sanderson. John was a farmer, lot 18, con 10, Vaughan (Family letters).
1885
Mark Farndale was born Ontario 6 December 1885 (FAR00603) (Family letters).
1887
Martha Teresa (“Teresa”) Farndale, born Ontario 3
December 1887 (FAR00624).
Daughter of John George Farndale and Elizabeth Sanderson.
John was a
farmer , Elders Mills PO (Family letters).
This photograph is of John George Farndale and his family
taken in about 1887 in Canada - his family left to right are George, Teresa,
Mark, Charles and Albert
1889
Annie (Anne) Maria Farndale was born Ontario 25
October 1889 (FAR00636).
Annie Maria Farndale, daughter of John George Farndale and Elizabeth Sanderson.
John
had Canadian citizenship and was a farmer. Annie
was born at Smithfield, Etobicoke, York, Ontario. Their medical practice was at
Woodbridge Ontario. Etobikoke is now a district of Toronto (Family letters)
.
1891
The 1891 Census of Canada for Etobicoke, York West, Ontario listed John G Farndle, 52, a farm
labourer, methodist; Elizabeth Farndle, 39; Charles
Farndle, 10; George Farndle, 8; Albert Farndle, 7; Mark Farndle, 5; Martha T
Farndle, 3; Anne M Farndle, 1; Jonathan Farr, 25, domestic, Sarah B Farr, 22,
his wife
1893
John’s
wife, Elizabeth died in 1893.
1901
The 1901 Census for Peel District, Chinquacousy listed John Ferndale, 64, a farm
labourer and widow. Hourly wage 300. Born 26 October
1836. Boarding with others.
1909
John George Farndale, died on 21st February 1909
at Chinquacousy, Ontario aged 72, a widower, farm labourer of
Yorkshire, England (DC).
John George Farndale was buried at Brampton
Cemetery, Ontario
with his wife Elizabeth and his daughter Martha Teresa, who died on 7th January
1986, aged 99, a spinster (Burial Records).
Gravestone at Brampton Cemetery, Brampton, Peel Municipality,
Ontario.