2-996-053 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The funeral of Ensign Tucker of the British Legion, at the advanced posts before Capua - from a sketch by our special artist, Frank Vizetelly, 1860. Funeral service for '...the first English volunteer who has fallen in the campaign...The British brigade was called upon to check the advance of a party of Royalist troops...[the skirmish] cost the life of an officer, Ensign Tucker, and of Private Mitchell; and eight men were wounded. Ensign Tucker's body was brought in and buried by his companions the same night, in the garden of Colonel Peard's head-quarters, within a hundred yards of the enemy...The torches glared on the scarlet uniforms and then paled before the clear autumn moon. Round the grave stood the companions of his short career. The Adjutant read the impressive service for the burial of the dead. The Lord's Prayer burst in irrepressible chorus from that band of men, any of whom might die tomorrow...Mr. Tucker was interpreter to the regiment and a correspondent of this journal. He was highly esteemed by every officer and man in the brigade. His death was sudden. He was killed by a shot through the temple, and died without a struggle. All accounts agree in stating that the British brigade fought with great bravery on the 19th October'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.