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F'Queen n' H'empire

by Basil Riccomini

184 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-2011; ISBN 1-4120-1634-7; US$18.99, C$24.00, EUR15.60, £10.81

This book is not politically correct. The subjects have not been taught for at least sixty years. A fictitious soldier's account of battles and life during Queen Victoria's time.

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about the book      about the author      sample excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book This book was not planned it just happened. When it occurred to me that I could write a poem describing the charge of the 24th Regiment of Foot of Chilianwala, just how was I to do it? I decided to write it as being related by a soldier who had participated int he charge against the Sikh guns. He speaks in the 'lingo' of some of the soldiers of my acquantance during my colour service in the British Army. I wrote the other poems in a similar style, with the exception of the recruiting serjeant in The Queen's Shilling, who speaks with the 'Midlands' dialect. During Queen Victoria's long sixty-four year reign, there were constant military expeditions, campaigns and conflicts. Many caused the expansion of the empire, and many as result of that expansion. By European standards Great Britain had a very small standing army, but The Royal Navy was the world's largest. Britannia ruled the waves. Rather like the Roman legionaryies, the 'Tommies' of the period were professional and reliable. On many occasions they defeated the enemy although heavily outnumbered. Perhaps that explains why a relatively small regular army was so successful.

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About the Author The author was born in England. He served two tours with the Commonwealth Division during the Korean War, and also served with the British Army of the Rhine, in the British Zone of Germany. He emigrated to the United States, served witht the U.S.A.F. for twenty years and is currently serving with the Texas State Guard. He resides near San Antonio, Texas.

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Sample Excerpts

Introduction In the Spring of 1992 I borrowed a copy of Queen Victoria's Little Wars, by Byron Farwell, from the town library in Oxford, Mississippi. Why this particular book? I do not recall. I had only a passing interest in the subject at that time. Having read the book, I ordered a copy from Mr. Howorth's Book Shop on the Square. In Chapter 5, The Second Sikh War, page 56, Line 3, Mr. Farwell observes:

"It is curious that this infantry counterpart of the charge of the Light Brigade - both gallant but foolish charges of enemy guns - should be so little known in spite of its human drama and exotic setting. Few now know of the Second Sikh War and the Battle of Chilianwala; fewer still know of the extraordinary charge of the 24th Foot. ŒTheir conduct', said Charles Napier, Œhas never been surpassed by British soldiers on the field of battle'. In the grounds of the Royal Hospital at Chelsea there is a stone obelisk which records the names of the men of the 24th who fell at Chilianwala, but no great poet wrote immortal lines for men to remember. There was not even a newspaper to describe it, for the Second Sikh War was the last fought by Britain without the benefit of war correspondents".

It occurred to me, that I could write a poem from the description of the engagement in Chapter 5. Which I did. I then wished to dedicate the poem to Mr. Farwell. I attempted to contact him through the publishers of the book, who referred me to another publisher, who returned my letter unopened. So much for that! In November 1995 I obtained a copy of Mr. Kipling's Army, by Mr. Farwell, and in the jacket of that book was Mr. Farwell's town of residence. I then wrote again to Mr. Farwell, offered him a copy of the poem, and asked his permission to use his books for information to write other poems. Mr. Farwell graciously gave me his approval, and recommended to me some other books that he had written, and that is how this book of poems came to be.

The Victoria Cross

As a result of the bravery and dedication of her soldiers, sailors and marines during the Crimean War in 1854 until 1856, Queen Victoria expressed a desire for a simple medal to be awarded for gallantry to all her forces regardless of rank. She officiated every detail regarding the design of the medal. It was to be composed of bronze from captured Russian cannon in a pattee, or Maltese cross style. The ribbon for the Army to be crimson and dark blue for the Navy. It was suggested that a motto 'FOR THE BRAVE' be incorporated in the medal, but the Queen observed that all her soldiers were brave and decreed that 'FOR VALOR' be the motto.

On 26 June 1857, in Hyde Park, London, Queen Victoria, mounted, stooped from her saddle to present, irrespective of rank, sixty-two Victoria Crosses to the assembled recipiants. Since that day over five hundred Victoria Crosses were awarded during her reign. Four to civilians, four to brothers. The oldest recipient was sixty-nine and the youngest fifteen. An annual allowance of £10 (ten pounds) accompanied the award.

Victoria Crosses are manufactured exclusively by the London jewellers, Messrs. Hancock and Company. The medals are not a 'stock' item and are made when needed. They are cast and not struck as medals usually are. This company makes no other medals or decorations.

Glossary burra brave - very brave campaign gong - campaign medal patee style - similar to a Maltese Cross Pongoes - The Royal Navy's name for British soldiers Quartermaster's tally - supply inventory Tars - Jack tar; Royal Navy sailors

The Victoria Cross 'Twas th' Ruskie war wot caused h'it,
th' thin red streak an' such.
Our little Queen was much impressed,
so a new medal was discussed.

She tol' h'it t' Lord Panmure,
wiv 'er gracious charmin' smile.
There will be no distinction,
'tween th' 'brass' an' rank an' file.

H'it won't be gold or silver,
but jus' lik th' wider's mite.
'twill be give t' them as takes h'it all,
when there's a bloody serious fight.

'Twill be a cross o' cannon bronze,
in a simple patee style.
F' them as is burra brave,
an' goes that extra mile.

Th' ribbon will be crimson red,
f' th' "Pongoes" scarlet chest.
Th' "Tars" they'll 'ave th' Navy blue,
that was 'er Majisty's behest.

Th' suggested motto FOR THE BRAVE
on h'it t' be displayed,
But all oo serve are that a way,
so FOR VALOUR t'is engraved.

They's h'only made t' h'order,
when that special time is on.
They ain't on th' Quartermaster's tally,
lik a reg'lar campaign 'gong'.

'Ancock o' Burton Street,
poures 'em h'in a mold.
They ain't minted like a coin,
so believe me, 'cause 't'is so.

H'at a presentation in 'yde Park,
th' year was fifty-seven,
Sixty-two VCs 'anded art,
wiv military precision.

Wiv no regard t' rank or caste,
an' from 'er own small 'and.
She pinned 'em on, all pers'nal like,
t' th' music o' th' band.

O'er five 'undred 'anded art,
since that June day s' bright.
Four giv t' civilyans,
h'it ain't only solgers as can fight.

Four was give t' brothers,
three t' son an' dad.
Th' oldest 'e was sixty-nine,
an' a fifteen year ol' lad.

A £10 stipend went wiv h'it,
per annum, as they say.
Great respect an' honour,
would foller through their days.

T' some a spot promotion,
an' th' story 'anded down.
t' th' pride o' th' regiment,
an' more glory t' th' crown.

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Catalogue Information

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