During the 1840’s and early 1850’s Carmarthen effectively became a “Garrison Town” with over 2000 soldiers stationed here in makeshift tents for the NCO’s and public houses and hotels (for officers) This was largely due to the disturbances caused by the Rebecca Riots resulting in much social unrest over a wide area of West Wales. Such was the Governments concern substantial numbers of troops were stationed here before embarking first to the Crimea and then to India.
During this time no military barracks existed in Carmarthen and as such the conditions that many of the soldiers had to endure were truly terrible which is evident in the large number of burials that took place in St David’s Cemetery between the period of 1847 and 1854, resulting from PULMONARY PHTISIS or Tuberculosis as it is known today, – a chronic infection disease caused by a bacterial infection the lungs, which caused progressive wasting, severe lung tissue damage, chronic cough, and fever commonly known as consumption spread by air droplets from infected individuals. This short story highlights quite a remarkable bond that existed between a soldier and officer despite their different social standings at a time of great uncertainty in the world………Here then is that story, one of which I would have loved to have been longer, but sadly that’s not to be.
Private John King had arrived in Carmarthen in the Autumn of 1847 with a detachment from his Regiment – the famous King’s Dragoon Guards and were stationed in Johnstown in a makeshift camp, full of tents, horses etc. At the end of December 1847 he contracted what is now known as tuberculosis and died three months later in March 1848 aged just 21 years old as can be seen from his death certificate. Also, to give you a wider picture of the suffering, a further two death certificates are published here of two more Private soldiers both dying from the same disease .In actual fact between 1847 and 1855 the number of deaths from TB run into three figures. It therefore stands to reason that St David’s Cemetery contains one of the largest number of burials of servicemen anywhere in the United Kingdom with at approximately 50 different Regiments being represented.
However, there is one most remarkable twist to this particular story, and it is one of great kindness, loyalty and friendship that crossed the boundaries of officialdom……..Captain James Lockhart Little was the officer commanding the detachment of the King’s Dragoon Guards when they were stationed in Carmarthen in 1848, newly promoted, he took great care of his men and whilst a strict disciplinarian always recognised the loyalty of his troops. He was also a great and celebrated horseman in his own right and on the 1st March 1848 took part in the 10th Grand National at Aintree racecourse, and amidst driving rain and atrocious weather conditions he won the race on a horse called CHANDLER. Not only that, he was also the owner of the horse and as a result won a substantial amount of money enabling him to secure his promotion in the army – by purchase, as was the custom. He became famous overnight but continued to remain in the King’s Dragoon Guards to further his army career. Just over three weeks later, having returned to Carmarthen to command his detachment, young John King died after three months of tortuous illness and was buried in St David’s Cemetery on the 27th March 1848 with full military honours, led by Captain James Little who insisted on being present for the funeral of his subordinate despite having received an invitation to attend a reception at Windsor Castle the same day. Queen Victoria was herself very interested in horses and wanted to congratulate Captain Little on his achievement at winning the Grand National but that was not to be.
This then, concludes that “short story” and how I wish it could have been much much longer for I am sure there is much more to tell. I hope you have enjoyed reading it.
