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Thomas Allistone

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English soldier who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade

Thomas Allistone (or Allison), (13 June 1823 - 27 October 1896) was a soldier in the 11th Hussars who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade.

Early life

Allistone was born 13 June 1823 at Worton Lane, Isleworth, and baptised 13 July. His parents where William and Elizabeth Allistone. His occupation before enlisting was recorded as a groom.

Army career

He served 16½ years in the 11th Hussars, enlisting 1842. In 1851 he was a Private (number 1128) at Pockthorpe cavalry barracks, Norwich.

On 25 October 1854 he took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. He was one of only 18 survivors out of 200 in the 11th Hussars. "Only 18 of that regiment survived, and the deceased was one of them, coming out of the fray without a scratch."

He received two medals: the Crimean War Medal and Turkish Crimea Medal. He was discharged from the army in 1858 at his own request. He attended the  21st Anniversary Reunion dinner at Alexandra Palace on 25 October 1875. He was a member of the Balaclava Commemoration Society.

Later career

After leaving the army he was recorded in 1861 as a coachman lodging in Vine Row, Richmond, with his wife Sarah.

He then spent 14 years as a warder at Millbank Prison; In 1871 he was living at 6 Cedar Terrace, Lambeth.

He then became a coachman for Mr Piggott in Richmond and in 1881 was residing at White Lodge, Marshgate Road, Richmond. Sarah was then a housekeeper at 1, Pavilion Place, Turnham Green, Chiswick.

He and Sarah then lived at Hickey's Almshouses, Richmond, as recorded on the 1891 Census.

Personal life

He married Sarah Wilton (b c1814, Isleworth) on 16 December 1856 at Hounslow Parish Church. They were both residing in Hounslow at the time, possibly at the Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow. His wife died September 1892 and was buried in Richmond Old Burial Ground.

Allistone died from the decay of old age on 27 October 1896, at Hickey's Almshouses.

Funeral

The funeral service took place at Hickey's Almshouse chapel attended by the inmates. His coffin was then given a military funeral and carried by six members of the Scots Greys from Hounslow and placed on a gun-carriage, covered with the Union Jack, his medals and wreaths. The funeral was attended by Sir Charles and Lady Rugge-Price. Allistone was buried in a common grave in Richmond Cemetery.

References

  1. ^ "A Balaclava Hero's Burial". Richmond and Twickenham Times. 31 October 1896. p. 6.
  2. ^ "Miltary Funerals". Richmond Herald. 31 October 1896. p. 6.
  3. "A Balaclava hero buried with military honours". Illustrated Police News. 7 November 1896 – via British Library Newspapers.
  4. ^ "ONE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE". Echo (London). 31 October 1896. p. 2.
  5. "England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Thomas Allistone". FamilySearch.
  6. ^ Crider, Lawrence (2004). In Search of the Light Brigade. Eurocommunica. p. 147. ISBN 9781898763123.
  7. 1851 Census, NFKHO107_1813_1814-0399 Ancestry
  8. "1851 Worldwide Army Index. Thomas Allistone in 1851. The National Archives reference WO 12/1009". Find My Past.
  9. "The Officers' Dinner". Illustrated London News. 67 (1890): 6. 30 October 1875.
  10. 1861 Census, Vine Row, Richmond, Richmond upon Thames, R.G. 9/460. Find My Past
  11. 1871 Census, Cedar Terrace, Lambeth, London, R.G. 10/673. Find My Past
  12. 1881 Census, Richmond, Surrey SRYRG11_843_845-0388, Ancestry
  13. "England and Wales Census, 1891, Entry for Thomas Allistone and Sarah Allistone, 1891". Family Search.
  14. Marriage Register, Hounslow Parish Church, 31280_199094-01065, Ancestry
  15. Old Burial Ground Cemetery List (Excel Spreadsheet), Richmond Cemetery
  16. "Deceased name. Thomas ALLISTONE". London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
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