United Kingdom. A Unique ‘Light Brigade’ Group to Veterinary Surgeon Towers, 13th Light Dragoons

Crimean Medal 1854-1856, ALMA, BALACLAVA, INKERMANN, SEBASTOPOL. (VETRY SURGEON. T. I. TOWERS 13TH LT DRAGS), engraved, on period ribbon, slight contact marks, very dark patina, very fine condition. Turkish Medal 1855, (VETRY SURGEON T. I. TOWERS 13TH LT DRAGOONS), engraved, replacement suspension, replacement ribbon, slight contact marks, dark patina, very fine condition. Queen Victoria silver “Jubilee Head” Half Crown, 1889, with altered to have integral ring, few contact marks, dark patina, fine condition. Queen Victoria one shilling, 1838, altered to have integral ring, accompanied by chain and small skeleton key, very worn, fair condition. Brooch with costume jewellery frame and illustration of female in center, pinback with replacement pin, “EB” cypher on reverse, fine condition.  

These items are accompanied by:

Personal Books/Artifacts: Robert Browning Birthday Book c.1913 with few personal notes, Petits Offices belonging to Agnes, 1877, Album of Kilkenny, date unknown

Documents: Marriage Licence of Dorothy Baggs and Cecil LeVerne Aisthorpe, 1928, Marriage License of Dorothy Aisthorpe and Gordon Monahan, 1948, Power of Attorney & Certificate of Acknowledgement for Eliza Langford, 1921, Decree of Distribution of Estate of Deceased Agnes T Baggs, 1940, National Archives Photocopies of marriage records, death records of family members

Correspondence: Associated Press Notice “(signed) Major Plute. Corp. of Allies.”, Several family notes and telegrams c.1920 - 1930, Numerous letters between Mr & Mrs. Baggs and Solicitor Joseph Dunaghy re the Estate of G.B McConnell

Postcards: Three August 25, 1920 postcards from Carnlough, Co. Antrim, addressed to Miss D. Baggs from “B”, One February 18, 1919 postcard from Tintingy, addressed to Miss Dorothy Baggs from Wagoner George T Baggs Batt 345 F.A, AEF, One December 30 1905 postcard, addressed to Miss A Fitzgerald, Dir of Issues Treasury Dept Washington DC

Newspaper Clips: Four newspaper clips relating to the death of Agnes Baggs, One newspaper clip relating to the death of Dorothy Baggs, One newspaper clip relating to the death of Rev. Towers, One newspaper clip relating to the birthday of George T Baggs

Photographs: Plaque Photograph of Agnes in Vienna, 1887, Photograph of Fred and Jack Towers, 1900, Postcard Photograph of Fred and Jack Towers, c.1906, Photograph of Lieutenant Wm E Cummings, Company E 31st Engineers AEF, Photograph, marked Vienna 1873, possibly Agnes, Two images unknown

Additional Research: Detailed notes of Fr. John Thomas Towers life and priory involvement, Numerous photocopies of enclosed documents/clippings etc., Genealogy research of Towers family

Footnote: Thomas John Towers accepted the position of veterinary surgeon in the 13th Light Dragoons on May 6, 1854, following a letter from Colonel Cotton, requesting him to take the place of vice Legrew. Previously he lived in Navan, Ireland. Towers was present in the battles of Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol and Tchernaya. As the veterinary surgeon, he was responsible for the well-being of the horses and hospital stables, performing surgeries, overseeing grooms and farriers and providing daily reports to his superiors.

The Charge of Light Brigade took place at the Battle of Balaclava on October 25, 1854, when the light infantry, including the 13th Light Dragoons, charged into a frontal assault on the Russian Empire, due to a miscommunication in the chain of command. British casualties totaled 175 killed and 251 wounded of the approximate 600 soldiers in the charge. The 13th Light Dragoon suffered 3 officers, 3 serjeants, 1 drummer,  20 rank and file, 76 horses killed; 2 serjeants, 12 rank and file wounded. Veterinary Surgeon Towers is believed to have been present at the Charge but did not participate on the front lines. Towers returned to England on April 15, 1856 on ‘sick leave.’ He later died on April 23, 1862 at Hulme Barracks, Manchester of consumption. At the time of his death, he was a member of the 13th Regiment of Hussars (previously called the 13th Light Dragoon). His belongings were placed in the care of his brother John Thomas Towers of Portland Square, Dublin.

John Thomas Towers is believed to be related to Sarah Towers (marries Hugh McConnell, Ireland, 1857) and Agnes Towers (marries attorney George T. Baggs, Montana, 1895). This lot is accompanied by numerous articles relating to the Towers/Baggs family.