Death of last British Crimean War soldier

The death in Dunblane 100 years ago of James Stirling removed one of the very last of the British soldiers who fought in the Crimean War, the Observer reported.

The former corporal in the 93rd Highlanders enlisted at Stirling Castle in 1849 and served with the regiment for 12 years.

Being tall and well built, James was at the age of 18 posted to the Grenadier Company and accompanied them to Crimea where he took part in the battles of Alma and Balaclava, siege and capture of Sebastopol and expeditions to Kertch and Yenikale. He was later engaged in the Indian Mutiny and served with his regiment at the Relief of Lucknow and Battle of Cawnpore.

James held the Crimean Medal, Turkish Medal and Indian Mutiny Medal but was invalided home from India in 1861 because of “defective eyesight and discharged from the Army later that year.

He returned to Dunblane and entered the service of Sir William Kerr, acting as the family’s private postman for 35 years.

The Observer described James as a“man of commanding presence”who was considered in his youth to be the strongest man in his regiment.

“He followed (World War One) with great interest and contrasted the long-range fire with the fighting of the 1850s when men were urged to hold their fire till they saw the white in the enemy’s eyes,”added the paper.

James’funeral, with full military honours, took place at Dunblane Cathedral and was attended by wounded soldiers from Keir and a bearer party from Stirling Castle.