Gilbert'S Monument

BODMIN

SX0666 THE BEACON 629-1/3/116 Gilbert's Monument 26/03/49

II

Monument. 1856. In memory of Lt Gen Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert. Granite ashlar obelisk, 144 feet high standing on a moulded pedestal base with inscription to each side; steel reinforcing straps at intervals up the shaft. South side inscribed "To Memory of Walter Raleigh Gilbert, Lieutenant General of the Bengal Army who, after sharing as Subaltern in the campaigns of 1803 and 1804 under Lord Lake, greatly distinguished himself in 1845 and 1846 as Major-General commanding the 2nd Division of the Army in the Battles of MOODKEE, FEROZSHAH and SOBRAON on the SUTLEJE and subsequently in 1849 in those of CHILLIANWALA and GOOJERAT in the PUNJAB. And having eventually compelled the Sikh Chiefs to surrender themselves to him in RAWAL PINDEE with their whole force of 16,000 men and 41 guns, drove their Afghan allies across the Indus at Attock and thus brought the WAR to a triumphant conclusion. For which distinguished services the Queen conferred on him the dignity of a Baronet, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Bath. The Houses of Parliament twice voted him thanks. The Court of Directors appointed him to the Supreme Council in India AND THIS MONUMENT raised on this spot at the earnest request of his fellow townsmen of BODMIN has been erected by Companions in Arms and private friends in testimony of their admiration of his eminent Public Services as a Soldier and of their regard and respect for his Estimable Personal Qualities." Other inscriptions "1856 and 1857 E Gilbert Hamley, Mayor; Walter Raleigh Gilbert, BORN March 1785; DIED 10 May 1853."

Listing NGR: SX0676866379