The great great grand-daughter of a famous soldier from the regiment’s history has visited the museum; bringing an exciting range of medals to show us, and seeing objects relating to him on display.
He retired with the honorary rank of Lieutenant-General on 22 December 1886.
In an army career spanning almost 40 years, Chippindall was present at the battles of the Alma, Inkerman and the siege of Sebastopol during the Crimean War.
He was one of just five officers to serve continually throughout the campaign.
He also served during the Indian Mutiny, and Commanded the 19th Regiment during the Hazara campaign of 1868.
Following retirement he served as Aide de Camp to Queen Victoria (1872 to 1883) and was also made a Commander of the Bath.
“It’s brilliant to be able to bring the medals, which have been in my Mum’s loft for years, to the museum,” says Emma, who has been working with Assistant Curator, Steve Erskine, to find out more about her illustrious relative’s life and service.
“Visiting has been a great way to understand the wider context of his service, and the sheer skill and luck it took to not only survive the Crimean War, but to then go on for so many more years serving his country. It made me very proud.”
The two silver rose bowls on the display bench behind Emma were presented to the regiment by Chippindall during his career. Her great great grandfather is pictured in one of the earliest military photographic images. Chippindall is fifth from the left in the picture taken in The Crimea by photography pioneer Roger Fenton.
If you have a family member who served with the regiment and you would like to try to find out more about them, why not contact our family history research team, just like Emma did. Who knows where your journey may lead?