| John Highfield |
| Gunner 717 John Highfield 5th Battery 25th Brigade - Royal Artillery |
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The campaign to Abyssinia 1868
When King Theodore of Ethiopia captured and held prisoner a number of Europeans as well as numerous captives of his own
people, the British Government sent representatives to try and negotiate their release. Some Europeans were released but soon
afterwards were captured again and returned to imprisonment.
It was decided that an expedition must be organised to try and force the release of these captives. There was never any intention
to annexe territory during the course of the campaign.
The advance portion of the expeditionary force to Abyssinia left Bombay in October 1867. The entire force leaving India
consisted of 12,000 effectives, of which 4,000 of the men were Europeans. These included four regiments of Infantry, consisting
of 1st Battalion 4th Regiment, the 26th, 33rd and 45th Regiments, two squadrons of cavalry from the 3rd Dragoon Guards and
five batteries of Artillery. These were the C-E, R.H.A, G14 Royal Artillery, 3-21 Royal Artillery, 5-21 Royal Artillery and 5-25
Royal Artillery. Nine regiments of Native Infantry, four regiments of Native cavalry, six companies of Sappers, pioneers and
one company of Native Artillery made up the total. Bombay provided the largest portion of the force while Bengal contributed
two regiments of light cavalry, one regiment of pioneers, three companies of Sappers and the 5th Battery of the 25th Brigade
Royal Artillery from Calcutta. Amongst the gunners from this battery was 717 John Highfield, who was in number 5 company. He
had enlisted on the 14th June 1861 and was now aged 28.
When King Theodore of Ethiopia captured and held prisoner a number of Europeans as well as numerous captives of his own
people, the British Government sent representatives to try and negotiate their release. Some Europeans were released but soon
afterwards were captured again and returned to imprisonment.
It was decided that an expedition must be organised to try and force the release of these captives. There was never any intention
to annexe territory during the course of the campaign.
The advance portion of the expeditionary force to Abyssinia left Bombay in October 1867. The entire force leaving India
consisted of 12,000 effectives, of which 4,000 of the men were Europeans. These included four regiments of Infantry, consisting
of 1st Battalion 4th Regiment, the 26th, 33rd and 45th Regiments, two squadrons of cavalry from the 3rd Dragoon Guards and
five batteries of Artillery. These were the C-E, R.H.A, G14 Royal Artillery, 3-21 Royal Artillery, 5-21 Royal Artillery and 5-25
Royal Artillery. Nine regiments of Native Infantry, four regiments of Native cavalry, six companies of Sappers, pioneers and
one company of Native Artillery made up the total. Bombay provided the largest portion of the force while Bengal contributed
two regiments of light cavalry, one regiment of pioneers, three companies of Sappers and the 5th Battery of the 25th Brigade
Royal Artillery from Calcutta. Amongst the gunners from this battery was 717 John Highfield, who was in number 5 company. He
had enlisted on the 14th June 1861 and was now aged 28.
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The advance brigade arrived at Aden and was ordered to fill up with as much water as possible. From here they were to proceed
to Ansley Bay, 20 miles south of Massowah, where they landed stores and made three piers for the main body of men to
disembark. Inadequate accommodation and a lack of water stopped the main body of troops being sent for several months. Early
in December, the advance guard moved up to the plateau and the remainder followed soon they landed. John Highfield’s battery
landed at Zoolla on the 6th February 1868. This camp consisted of about 50 tents and marquees as well as hundreds of baggage
animals, including 3,000 horses, 16,000 mules 5,000 bullocks, 8,000 camels and 44 elephants. The move up to the plateau was
not without difficulties as many of the baggage animals had died shortly after being landed due to neglect by their handlers and
shortage of water for them.
By the 5th March 1868, the troops had assembled and started to move to Magdala, some 380 miles away. They were divided into
two divisions and the 5th/25th Royal Artillery composed part of the second division and would be based initially at the garrison
village of Antalo. A detachment of gunners formed part of the Second Brigade First Division and accompanied two eight inch
mortars, which were to be carried by the elephants brought especially from India.
On the 1st April the headquarters of the 1st Division, under the command of Major General Sir Charles Staveley and the Second
Brigade under Brigadier General Wilbey were based at Gahoo.
Amongst these troops was the detachment of 5/25th gunners who had been attached to the mortars and it consisted of just 35
men. It had already been planned before the troops left India that this detachment would be made and the battery had received
a draft of extra men to allow for this action.
to Ansley Bay, 20 miles south of Massowah, where they landed stores and made three piers for the main body of men to
disembark. Inadequate accommodation and a lack of water stopped the main body of troops being sent for several months. Early
in December, the advance guard moved up to the plateau and the remainder followed soon they landed. John Highfield’s battery
landed at Zoolla on the 6th February 1868. This camp consisted of about 50 tents and marquees as well as hundreds of baggage
animals, including 3,000 horses, 16,000 mules 5,000 bullocks, 8,000 camels and 44 elephants. The move up to the plateau was
not without difficulties as many of the baggage animals had died shortly after being landed due to neglect by their handlers and
shortage of water for them.
By the 5th March 1868, the troops had assembled and started to move to Magdala, some 380 miles away. They were divided into
two divisions and the 5th/25th Royal Artillery composed part of the second division and would be based initially at the garrison
village of Antalo. A detachment of gunners formed part of the Second Brigade First Division and accompanied two eight inch
mortars, which were to be carried by the elephants brought especially from India.
On the 1st April the headquarters of the 1st Division, under the command of Major General Sir Charles Staveley and the Second
Brigade under Brigadier General Wilbey were based at Gahoo.
Amongst these troops was the detachment of 5/25th gunners who had been attached to the mortars and it consisted of just 35
men. It had already been planned before the troops left India that this detachment would be made and the battery had received
a draft of extra men to allow for this action.
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Each mortar and its bed were transported by two Elephants. The mortar Elephant carried the mortar which weighed 924lb, the
travelling bed of 168lb, the cradle of 252lb and the pads weighing 500lb. This totalled 1,844lb. The bed Elephant carried the
iron bed of 840lb, the travelling bed of 168lb, the cradle of 252lb and the pads of 500lb. This totalled 1,760lb. The powder
was carried by another Elephant and the shells by mules, four shells per mule.
The remaining 90 men of the 5th/25th Royal Artillery commanded by Major Bogle had been ordered to join the Antalo station
and were marching there together with six 7lb brass rifled mountain guns. A further detachment from the battery was to be left
behind at Suru. These men were destined not to take part in the advance to Magdala, but still performed outstanding service.
travelling bed of 168lb, the cradle of 252lb and the pads weighing 500lb. This totalled 1,844lb. The bed Elephant carried the
iron bed of 840lb, the travelling bed of 168lb, the cradle of 252lb and the pads of 500lb. This totalled 1,760lb. The powder
was carried by another Elephant and the shells by mules, four shells per mule.
The remaining 90 men of the 5th/25th Royal Artillery commanded by Major Bogle had been ordered to join the Antalo station
and were marching there together with six 7lb brass rifled mountain guns. A further detachment from the battery was to be left
behind at Suru. These men were destined not to take part in the advance to Magdala, but still performed outstanding service.
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The Conditions on the line of march were terrible. They had to cross five high mountain ranges and were badly off for food. The
men were lucky if they could obtain biscuit and tea. In a letter home, an officer described the conditions:-
“We are living in the roughest fashion; we have no sugar, no milk, no butter, no flour, no bread, no liquor of any kind – nothing
much but water. We eat biscuits, which are like dog biscuits broken up into hard bits, a labour to masticate and tough beef
killed just before being taken”
When the British force reached the Dalanta plateau on the 7th April, they were only about 4,000 strong due to numerous
detachments being left to guard the lines of communication. From here the ground dropped 4,000 feet to the Bachelon river,
with the fortress of Magdala ahead and flanked by the Fala and Selassi peaks.
At daybreak on the 10th April the advance guard descended by road into a ravine and then moved to the right, toward the hills
leading to the Arogi plateau.
men were lucky if they could obtain biscuit and tea. In a letter home, an officer described the conditions:-
“We are living in the roughest fashion; we have no sugar, no milk, no butter, no flour, no bread, no liquor of any kind – nothing
much but water. We eat biscuits, which are like dog biscuits broken up into hard bits, a labour to masticate and tough beef
killed just before being taken”
When the British force reached the Dalanta plateau on the 7th April, they were only about 4,000 strong due to numerous
detachments being left to guard the lines of communication. From here the ground dropped 4,000 feet to the Bachelon river,
with the fortress of Magdala ahead and flanked by the Fala and Selassi peaks.
At daybreak on the 10th April the advance guard descended by road into a ravine and then moved to the right, toward the hills
leading to the Arogi plateau.
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On the 11th April the army were in front of Magdala and envoys were sent to discover if King Theodore would surrender the
garrison peaceably. Some captives that he was holding were released that evening although a further 350 were slaughtered.
It had been decided to punish the King for his actions and scaling ladders were prepared and powder bags made to destroy the
fortress’s doors. Two brigades were formed up on some rising ground on the Magdala road and the infantry commenced the
ascent of the hill. The Armstrong 12lb battery and the two mortars, with only 27 gunners now fit to operate them, were moved
up into position. The mortars were brought forward by the elephants which caused considerable delay and were eventually
placed at a point behind the Selassee and Fahla ridge, some two and a half miles from their target.
It was intended that they should fire at long range should the enemy offer opposition to the advance of the advancing column up
the hill to Magdala. Twelve guns and four rocket tubes were brought to within 1,300 yards of the gate to Magdala. Orders were
then sent to bring the mortars forward by the Elephants as the incline was too steep for horse draught. This was found to be
impractical due to the nature of the ground. At 3 p.m, after the mortars had fired just 11 rounds, it was found that their
position was not sufficiently advanced for their fire to produce any decided effect. They ceased firing just before the second
brigade was ordered to advance.
Entry had to be forced as the artillery had failed to hit the gates and then the garrison quickly surrendered.
On the 15th April the Elephants and the mortar detachment of men from the 5th/25th commanded by Major James Hills-Johnes
V.C. began their journey back to the coast, and on the 17th April the fortress of Magdala was destroyed by fire.
By the 1st May a total of just 92 men of the 5/25th were considered fit for duty. The sick had been carried back to Zoulla
and from there were placed on board a vessel due to return to England.
At half past seven on the morning of the 18th, the remaining troops marched for the Delanta plain.
On May 15th 1868, 3 officers and 97 men of the battery embarked on the sailing vessel “Irwell” at Zoulla, bound for Bombay.
The following day a further Officer and 1 man from the battery boarded the steamer “Sir Bartle Frere” also destined for
Bombay.
The contribution of the gunners who had remained at Zoulla was praised by Major General Russell on the 3rd June 1868:-
“I cannot speak too highly of the services performed by the 5th Battery 25th Brigade of Royal Artillery under the command of
Major Bogle. This battery was detained at Zoolla, and its men and mules were constantly employed in carrying and escorting
treasure and ammunition from Zoolla to the highlands. In this service they marched nearly 1,000 miles. The cheerfulness with
which Major Bogle, and his Officers and men undertook this duty is deserving of the highest praise”.
garrison peaceably. Some captives that he was holding were released that evening although a further 350 were slaughtered.
It had been decided to punish the King for his actions and scaling ladders were prepared and powder bags made to destroy the
fortress’s doors. Two brigades were formed up on some rising ground on the Magdala road and the infantry commenced the
ascent of the hill. The Armstrong 12lb battery and the two mortars, with only 27 gunners now fit to operate them, were moved
up into position. The mortars were brought forward by the elephants which caused considerable delay and were eventually
placed at a point behind the Selassee and Fahla ridge, some two and a half miles from their target.
It was intended that they should fire at long range should the enemy offer opposition to the advance of the advancing column up
the hill to Magdala. Twelve guns and four rocket tubes were brought to within 1,300 yards of the gate to Magdala. Orders were
then sent to bring the mortars forward by the Elephants as the incline was too steep for horse draught. This was found to be
impractical due to the nature of the ground. At 3 p.m, after the mortars had fired just 11 rounds, it was found that their
position was not sufficiently advanced for their fire to produce any decided effect. They ceased firing just before the second
brigade was ordered to advance.
Entry had to be forced as the artillery had failed to hit the gates and then the garrison quickly surrendered.
On the 15th April the Elephants and the mortar detachment of men from the 5th/25th commanded by Major James Hills-Johnes
V.C. began their journey back to the coast, and on the 17th April the fortress of Magdala was destroyed by fire.
By the 1st May a total of just 92 men of the 5/25th were considered fit for duty. The sick had been carried back to Zoulla
and from there were placed on board a vessel due to return to England.
At half past seven on the morning of the 18th, the remaining troops marched for the Delanta plain.
On May 15th 1868, 3 officers and 97 men of the battery embarked on the sailing vessel “Irwell” at Zoulla, bound for Bombay.
The following day a further Officer and 1 man from the battery boarded the steamer “Sir Bartle Frere” also destined for
Bombay.
The contribution of the gunners who had remained at Zoulla was praised by Major General Russell on the 3rd June 1868:-
“I cannot speak too highly of the services performed by the 5th Battery 25th Brigade of Royal Artillery under the command of
Major Bogle. This battery was detained at Zoolla, and its men and mules were constantly employed in carrying and escorting
treasure and ammunition from Zoolla to the highlands. In this service they marched nearly 1,000 miles. The cheerfulness with
which Major Bogle, and his Officers and men undertook this duty is deserving of the highest praise”.
Gunner John Highfield received a medal for his services in Abyssinia on the 23rd August 1870 and
was issued with it the following day. The medal was sanctioned on the 1st March 1869 and it was
unique, due to the fact that the recipient’s name was embossed on the reverse and consequently a
separate die was required for each medal produced. About 12,000 medals in total were issued to the
Army.
It is now impossible to find out if John Highfield formed part of the small mortar detachment or
remained with the garrison at Zoolla. His service papers are not to be found at the National
Archives and the muster rolls of the Royal Artillery cannot be traced for this campaign.
Researching his family history has also proved to be difficult, although it is likely that he may have
been born at Prescot, Lancashire in 1833.
was issued with it the following day. The medal was sanctioned on the 1st March 1869 and it was
unique, due to the fact that the recipient’s name was embossed on the reverse and consequently a
separate die was required for each medal produced. About 12,000 medals in total were issued to the
Army.
It is now impossible to find out if John Highfield formed part of the small mortar detachment or
remained with the garrison at Zoolla. His service papers are not to be found at the National
Archives and the muster rolls of the Royal Artillery cannot be traced for this campaign.
Researching his family history has also proved to be difficult, although it is likely that he may have
been born at Prescot, Lancashire in 1833.
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