Description

BODMIN

SX0666 THE BEACON
629-1/3/116 Gilbert's Monument
26/03/49

II

Monument. 1856. In memory of Lt Gen Sir Walter Raleigh
Gilbert. Granite ashlar obelisk, 144 feet high standing on a
moulded pedestal base with inscription to each side; steel
reinforcing straps at intervals up the shaft.
South side inscribed "To Memory of Walter Raleigh Gilbert,
Lieutenant General of the Bengal Army who, after sharing as
Subaltern in the campaigns of 1803 and 1804 under Lord Lake,
greatly distinguished himself in 1845 and 1846 as
Major-General commanding the 2nd Division of the Army in the
Battles of MOODKEE, FEROZSHAH and SOBRAON on the SUTLEJE and
subsequently in 1849 in those of CHILLIANWALA and GOOJERAT in
the PUNJAB. And having eventually compelled the Sikh Chiefs to
surrender themselves to him in RAWAL PINDEE with their whole
force of 16,000 men and 41 guns, drove their Afghan allies
across the Indus at Attock and thus brought the WAR to a
triumphant conclusion. For which distinguished services the
Queen conferred on him the dignity of a Baronet, and the Grand
Cross of the Order of Bath. The Houses of Parliament twice
voted him thanks. The Court of Directors appointed him to the
Supreme Council in India AND THIS MONUMENT raised on this spot
at the earnest request of his fellow townsmen of BODMIN has
been erected by Companions in Arms and private friends in
testimony of their admiration of his eminent Public Services
as a Soldier and of their regard and respect for his Estimable
Personal Qualities."
Other inscriptions "1856 and 1857 E Gilbert Hamley, Mayor;
Walter Raleigh Gilbert, BORN March 1785; DIED 10 May 1853."

Listing NGR: SX0676866379

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26585754

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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