NAM.2016-08-8-1

Three draw brass telescope carried by Quartermaster John Hill, 4th Light Dragoons, who would have used this to watch his fellow officers and men charge into the ‘Valley of Death’ during the Charge of the Light Brigade 1854. Associated with the Crimean War (1854-56) Quartermaster John Hill was present with the 4th Light Dragoons on 25th October 1854 at Balaclava but did not charge with his regiment, most likely due to his age and position. Previous to joining the 4th Light Dragoons he had served as Deputy Provost Marshal to the Bombay Column of the Grand Army of the Indus, during the whole period it was in the field. He was present at the storming and capture of Ghuznee and he can be seen wearing his medal in his photograph (2016-08-9). He was appointed Quartermaster of the 4th Light Dragoons on the 22nd June 1849 and was posted with the Regiment to the Crimea. His image was immortalised in the Crimea following the winter season by Roger Fenton. He is confirmed as being present at Balaclava, remaining in the regimental lines he could only view the dramatic scene through his telescope as many of his friends and fellow officers advanced through the smoke towards the Russian guns. 18 officers and men of the 4th were killed with a further 24 wounded and 16 captured. Quartermaster Hill was also present at Inkerman and the Siege of Sebastopol, gaining the medal with 3 clasps. After the regiment returned to the UK he remained with the 4th until 1859 when he retired to the Half Pay List.

Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854 (Crimean War 1854-1856)