James Charles Purves Memorial

Private James Charles Purves of the 11th Hussars was one of the ” Noble 600 ” who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade, the famous charge of British Light Cavalry led by Lord Cardigan against Russian forces in the North Valley during the Battle of Balaclava on 25 October 1854 in the Crimean War, immortalised in Lord Tennyson’s poem. Purves was wounded during the Charge and sent down to the British Hospital at Scutari near Constantinople where he died of his wounds on in January 1855. He was raised at Lennelhill, is mentioned on a headstone in Lennel Kirk Yard, although he is not buried there. A plaque has been placed in Coldstream Parish Church and the headstone with his name on it in Lennel Kirkyard has been reinstated thanks to private donations, society funds and the work of Robertson Memorials of Kelso.

This is a link to headstone in Lennel Churchyard with more information.

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