NAM.1963-10-276-1

Fragment from the wreath of immortelles (everlasting flowers) placed by Marshal Pélissier on FM Lord Raglan's coffin, 1855. Wreath of dried flowers on a lace-covered silk pad over a blue velvet cushion; contained in a red velvet-lined, domed-glass display case, maker unknown, Crimean War (1854-1856), 1855 (c). Lord Raglan’s coffin was draped with a Union Flag, upon which was placed his plumed hat and sword as well as a garland of immortelles, put there by Gen Pélissier, his French counterpart. Pélissier, ordinarily considered a brutal man, was strangely affected by Raglan’s passing and wept copiously at his deathbed. In a General Order issued the day after, he paid this tribute to the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the East: ‘The history of his life - so pure, so noble, so replete with service rendered to his country – those who witnessed his fearless demeanour at Alma and Inkerman, who recall the calm and stoic greatness of his character throughout this rude and memorable campaign, every generous heart indeed, will deplore the loss of such a man’.

Crimean War (1854-1856)