NAM.1968-06-348-2

Photograph: Major General Estcourt & Staff. Photograph by Roger Fenton (1819-1869). Maj Gen James Bucknall Bucknall Estcourt (1802-1855) and Staff including Maj de Morel, Capt, Thomson, Lt Col Blane, Maj Kirkland and Col The Hon W L Pakenham. Estcourt, who is standing in the middle of the picture, is photographed wearing his sword illustrated above with its distinctive scabbard; even the broken sword knot is visible. When appointed to act as Adjutant-General to the Army of the East, Estcourt had been a surprise choice having seen no previous active service; indeed, he had expected to go with the Army as Judge-Advocate. Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony Sterling doubted his suitability for the appointment: ‘The Adjutant-General is a very amiable man, a perfect gentleman and a good Christian, but as innocent of the meaning of discipline as a sucking baby.’ He died of cholera on 24 June 1855.

Crimean War (1854-1856)