3-053-474 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Balaclava Mare, presented to Her Majesty, 1873. 'The Battle of Balaklava was fought just nineteen years ago. There is an old mare, twenty-seven years of age, which has the fame of being the only surviving troop-horse that was ridden by any of the glorious Six Hundred on that day of daring deeds, when - Guns to the right of them, Guns to the left of them, Guns in the front of them, Volleyed and thundered! This veteran mare...was ridden that day by a brave fellow whom she left dead on the field. The mare was shot through both forelegs, but recovered, and was one of the only four horses originally belonging to the regiment that lived through the severe winter. [She] was lately the property of Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzroy D. Maclean, commanding officer of the 13th Hussars...She...was brought out of the stables, in charge of two Balaklava men - Sergeant Eccles and Private Douglas - the band of the regiment struck up "Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot," while the men turned out and saluted her with three hearty cheers. She was conveyed to the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. The Illustration is from a photograph by Mr. E. Steele, of Colchester. The Queen has promised that "this faithful animal shall be kept in comfort for the rest of her life".' From "Illustrated London News", 1873.