Extracts from

‘An Officer’s letters to his Wife During the Crimean War’

General Sir Richard Kelly

(Edited and published by his daughter, Mrs W J Tait in 1902)

Balaklava, September 14

Our regiment, I am thankful to say, had only one officer – Mr Laurie – wounded, but the 97th have suffered very severely.

We have entire possession of the south side of Sebastopol, but the Russians blew up all their forts and ships before leaving. Their loss was estimated at 30,000 men, the English 2,000, and the French about 1,200.

The Russians still occupy the north side, and very nearly killed General Airey; his orderly’s horse was killed by a shot.

Light Cavalry Camp – September 28, 9pm

Our poor wounded, I am happy to say, are going on in general very well. The wounds of one of our officers, young Laurie, showed a tendency to erysipelas* two or three days ago, but today I am glad to say he is doing better.

Light Cavalry Camp - October 3

Poor young Laurie of ours, who was wounded by a shell on September 8, is, I am sorry to say, not doing at all well; he has had erysipelas round the edge of the wound for the last week, and it is sloughing very much, and I am afraid he is sinking under it.

Although only a flesh wound, yet I think he was not in a good habit of body. The poor boy is only eighteen,* and seems a nice lad; he has a brother out here in the 4th Regiment, which will be some consolation to his friends.

Light Cavalry Camp – October 5

Poor Laurie is better today, I am glad to say, although very weak; they are apprehensive that gangrene is commencing in his wound, which is a bad symptom, but trust it may not be so.

Light Division Camp – October 8

Poor Laurie had a bad night last night; I am afraid he is sinking fast. His brother is out here in 4th Regiment, and it will be a comfort to his friends to know that he has met with every care and attention possible.

Camp near Sebastopol – October 28

Laurie expects to be sent home next Saturday; he walked today for the first time, with the assistance of a stick, but is very weak. However he only wants air and nourishment now.

* Erysipelas – An acute infection of the skin and underlying fat tissues, usually caused by the streptococcus bacteria

* eighteen – Actually he was 15 years and 9 months old

Colonel Kelly was himself slightly wounded and captured by the Russians on 18^th March 1855 while organising a counter-attack against the trenches on the night of 22^nd March 1855. After captivity in Russia he was exchanged with a Russian officer and just failed to reach the Crimea before the final assault on Sevastopol

Letter from Mr John Laurie

To General Simpson etc.

Surrey House, Hyde Park Place – December 28, 1855

Sir

I cannot resist thanking you for all your kindness and attention to my son, Lieutenant J D Laurie, who arrived safely on Friday last at Portsmouth by the ‘Indiana’ transport. His wound is indeed a severe one, and medical Board give every facility for its recovery.

I hope he is now out of danger, as the moving caused it to inflame.

Your calling on him daily at the camp gave him much satisfaction, as it proved that he did his duty, and as he has been reported twice wounded, it will be a great source of satisfaction to him through life to know he was esteemed by his Colonel.

He is now looking forward again to join the camp as soon as he gets the use of his leg, which shows his courage and his desire to distinguish himself in the honourable profession he adopted.

His brother, Lieutenant J W Laurie, of 4th, was a great comfort to him; he writes he is unlucky enough not to be hit.

Hoping you will be spared as a blessing to your regiment and an honour to the service, where, I hear, you live in the hearts of the officers, and once more thanking you for your kindness to my son,

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

John Laurie