2-913-637 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Funeral of Captain Parker, at the Champ des Morts, at Pera, 1854. Crimean War: Hyde Parker, in command of Royal Navy ship Firebrand, was killed while leading on his men to the storm of a Russian fortification at the Sulina mouth of the Danube. View of '...the mournful cortege emerging from one of the steep and narrow streets of Tophana [in Turkey]...The coffin was placed upon a piece of artillery, the wheels of which were painted black. An immense white flag, bearing the Cross of St. George, served as a pall, upon which were placed the hat, sword, and epaulettes of the deceased, on a cushion; the whole covered with a black veil. Sailors walked as pall-bearers; and there followed a great number of naval officers, of every grade and nation - French, English, Austrian, and Sardinian, and a few Turkish...The crew of the Firebrand, who were much attached to their Captain, mustered strong...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.