Charles Knight Pearson

Charles Knight Pearson was born at Thorne Coffin, Brympton in Somerset in July 1834 the son of a Naval officer. In the Zulu War of 1879 he commanded the no.1 Column, or Right Column, advancing from the southeast, across Lower Drift, towards Eshowe where he conducted the defence of the place for the siege which lasted 71 days. His column included his own battalion, 2nd/3rd Buffs, the 99th, the Naval Brigade with Marines, and Artillery and Engineers. He began his army career in 1852, in the 99th and transferred after a few months to the 31st Foot where he was adjutant. He served with the 31st in the Crimea and fought at the siege of Sevastopol. He transferred to the Buffs as a captain in August 1857 and rose by purchase to Lieutenant-colonel. He commanded the 2nd Battalion from 1857 to November 1878, leading them in the 9th Cape Frontier War. After his service in the Zulu War he progressed to the rank of Lieutenant-General (1891) and retired with the awards CB and KCMG. He died on 2 Oct 1909 at Upper Norwood in Surrey.