Outside the old graveyard, standing at the meeting of three roads, is a
very fine mulberry tree, planted at the spot where, according to old
soldiers, Colonel Spottiswoode, of the 55th Native Infantry, in deep
distress at the mutiny of his regiment, determined to take his own life
rather than live to see it disgraced, and under which, according to
tradition, he lies buried.
Passing through the bazaar, we come to the Memorial arch and tank,
erected by Government to Major Sir Louis Cavignari, Mr. W. Jenkyns,
Lieutenant Walter Hamilton, V.C., Surgeon Kelly and the native officers,
non-commissioned-officers, and men of the Guides who fell in the defence
of the Kabul Residency, September, 3rd, 1879. Just outside the memorial
garden is the spot where Lieutenant A.M. Ommanney was assassinated, now
known as the Ommanney cross-roads.
Every road in the cantonment has a name, and each name in itself is an
honoured memory. Some bear the names of old officers of the corps, while
others keep green the memory of those fallen in war. Amongst the former
will be found Sir Alfred Wilde, Sir Charles Keyes, Sir Frances Jenkins,
and Sir John McQueen. Sir Alfred Wilde commanded the corps with great
distinction during the Umbeyla campaign of 1863, and afterwards went on
to command the Punjab Frontier Force, as did also Sir Charles Keyes. Of
Sir Frances Jenkins a book might be written, for his connection with the
Guides extended over nearly twenty-four years.
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