2-913-774 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Bulgarian Children, wounded at Kustendjeh, 1854. Sketch by R. Trooping, 52nd Regiment, of child refugees on board H.M.S. Firebrand on the Black Sea during the Crimean War. 'Their father, mother, and uncle had been shot, and the two little brothers had been each badly wounded...the elder (about four years old) [was found] clinging to his mother and the infant, either while in her arms, or when vainly endeavouring to suck her breast after death...The young one was supported by the milk of a goat which was specially procured...[they were] specially looked after by the sailor-boy George Silcock who makes a first-rate nursery-maid. The elder boy at first spoke Bulgarian, but has now lost it, and speaks English only. When asked his name, he says, "Johnny Firebrand"...[he is] sketched in his little Jack-Tar dress, [with] Georgy Firebrand, his little brother...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.