Thomas Leigh Goldie & The bullet which killed him

Crimean War: The Cemetery (Roger Fenton, 1855)

This photo shows the cemetery at Cathcart's Hill (video). A man is standing at the grave of brigadier-general Thomas Leigh Goldie (1807-1854). Thomas Goldie was born on the Isle of Man into a family distinguished for its military service. Although it is said that this rank of brigadier-general was attributable more to money and influence than military merit, Goldie published several works on infantry tactics and was regarded by some as the most skilful infantry officer of his rank in the army. He was mortally wounded by a shot in the head at the Battle of Inkerman (November 5, 1854).

Marble paperweight with the bullet which killed Thomas Goldie (National Army Museum, London).

The marble paperweight incorporating the large bullet would have been fired from a Russian marksman's rifle and was presumably removed from Goldie's body in an effort to save his life. Lord Raglan recorded that "Brigadier-General Goldie was an officer of considerable promise, and gave great satisfaction to all under whom he has served".

Thomas Leigh Goldie (left)

next episode: tannenberg