Sir William Lockyer Merewether

William Merewether had served extensively in the Sind and Persian Wars. As a soldier in the Indian Army he was appointed political agent of Aden in 1863. He undertook operations against the Fadhli Arabs, who attempted to intercept the supplies of grain and food provided for the garrison by the inhabitants of the interior. These operations, though subsequently approved by the government, were carried out by Merewether on his own personal responsibility. He was instrumental in trying to negotiate a peaceful conclusion with King Theodore of Abyssinia over the taking of British hostages. When this failed, he helped Napier with his military preparations for the campaign to free the hostages leading an advance party to survey the route that Napier should take.
The picture shows a clock that was set up as a memorial to Sir William in Karachi, Pakistan where it still stands.

Aden | Aden Administrators