Cornet H J Wilkin, 1854

It is thought that this photo is Assistant Surgeon Henry John Wilkin who rode in the Charge and survived. He joined the 11th in 1852 and transfered to the 7th Hussars in 1857 as a lieutenant and fought in the Indian Mutiny. He was severely wounded at Lucknow. Later in 1864 he transfered to the 94th Foot as a captain and again in 1865 to the 48th Foot. He retired the following year and died in 1891. This is a well known photo taken by Roger Fenton probably at Devna on the west coast of the Black Sea where the uniforms were still in good order. There are very few photographs of mounted hussar officers of this period, before the introduction of 'sensible' uniforms. The jacket here is tight-fitting, making movement quite difficult, but the high density of gold gimp and braid afforded some protection from low velocity bullets and bayonet thrusts. The most striking thing about this picture is the height of the busby. In other photos the sitter is bare-headed so it is a surprise to see such a tall fur cap. The crimson bag hanging on the right side is plain, unlike the braided version introduced in 1856. This is almost full dress except for the absence of the embroidered shabraque. His pelisse is slung over his shoulder but during the charge it would have been worn over the jacket for extra protection. The men did not have their pelisses with them as they were ordered to leave them on the transport ships when they disembarked at Calamita Bay.

Regimental details