 |
 |
 |
 |
Lt. George Paulet
8th Hussars, 2nd Dragoons and 2nd Life Guards
George Paulet at was commissioned at age twenty by purchase as a Cornet in the 8th (The Kings Royal Irish) Regiment of Hussars
on the 19th of June, 1857. He had previously been serving in the Royal Lancashire Militia. The cost of his commission was £840
which was paid by his father, Captain Lord George Paulet, C.B., Royal Navy.
The Indian Mutiny having erupted on May 10th, 1857, additional British troops were needed in India to help quell the rebellion
and the 8th Hussars sailed for India on October 8, 1857, arriving at Bombay on December 16th. The 8th Hussars were active in
the Central India campaign under Sir Hugh Rose. George Paulet was promoted to Lieutenant on the 31st of January 1858, and
saw service with his regiment at the capture of Kotah, the reoccupation of Chundaree, the battle of Kotah-ki-Serai, the capture
of Gwalior, the siege of Powrie and the action at Bejapore. At the battle of Kotah-ki-Serai on the 17th of June 1858, the 8th
Hussars made a brilliant charge through the enemy’s entrenchment, carrying everything before them. In the charge, the Rani of
Jhansi and her sister, both dressed as sowars, were killed. Four Victoria Crosses were awarded to the 8th Hussars for this
action. For his services, Lieutenant Paulet received the Indian Mutiny medal with the clasp for Central India, the only campaign
medal he was to receive.
The 8th Hussars were not to return to England until 1864. Lieutenant Paulet, however, transferred to the 2nd (North Royal
British) Regiment of Dragoons (aka the Scots Greys) on the 22nd of April, 1859, which were then serving in Ireland.
On the 30th of January, 1863, Lieutenant Paulet again transferred regiments, this time to the 2nd Life Guards. He continued to
serve in England with the 2nd Life Guards until August of 1867, when he retired by the sale of his commission.
George Paulet is shown in the 1891 census as living at 57 Egerton, Kensington, Brompton, London with two servants. His marital
status is given as single and his age as 56. His occupation is stated to be a Retired Army Officer. He died on November 12th of
that year.
on the 19th of June, 1857. He had previously been serving in the Royal Lancashire Militia. The cost of his commission was £840
which was paid by his father, Captain Lord George Paulet, C.B., Royal Navy.
The Indian Mutiny having erupted on May 10th, 1857, additional British troops were needed in India to help quell the rebellion
and the 8th Hussars sailed for India on October 8, 1857, arriving at Bombay on December 16th. The 8th Hussars were active in
the Central India campaign under Sir Hugh Rose. George Paulet was promoted to Lieutenant on the 31st of January 1858, and
saw service with his regiment at the capture of Kotah, the reoccupation of Chundaree, the battle of Kotah-ki-Serai, the capture
of Gwalior, the siege of Powrie and the action at Bejapore. At the battle of Kotah-ki-Serai on the 17th of June 1858, the 8th
Hussars made a brilliant charge through the enemy’s entrenchment, carrying everything before them. In the charge, the Rani of
Jhansi and her sister, both dressed as sowars, were killed. Four Victoria Crosses were awarded to the 8th Hussars for this
action. For his services, Lieutenant Paulet received the Indian Mutiny medal with the clasp for Central India, the only campaign
medal he was to receive.
The 8th Hussars were not to return to England until 1864. Lieutenant Paulet, however, transferred to the 2nd (North Royal
British) Regiment of Dragoons (aka the Scots Greys) on the 22nd of April, 1859, which were then serving in Ireland.
On the 30th of January, 1863, Lieutenant Paulet again transferred regiments, this time to the 2nd Life Guards. He continued to
serve in England with the 2nd Life Guards until August of 1867, when he retired by the sale of his commission.
George Paulet is shown in the 1891 census as living at 57 Egerton, Kensington, Brompton, London with two servants. His marital
status is given as single and his age as 56. His occupation is stated to be a Retired Army Officer. He died on November 12th of
that year.
Included with the medal are several letters from his father, the one highlighted below requests a cornetcy without purchase for
George:
George:
U.S.C. (United Services Club)
June 22nd
PRIVATE
/56
Dear Sir Charles-
Hearing that there are several Cavalry regiments that have many Cornetcies vacant might I venture to
propose my eldest son for one without purchase and I should feel much(obliged) if you could take an
opportunity of mentioning my wishes to the Commander in Chief.
My Son’s name is “George Paulet” born on June 16th 1836 and is now 20 years old & serving in the Royal
Lanarkshire Militia.
I should further be much obliged to you to inform me whether from the circumstances of his having served in
the Militia the usual examination on his entering the Army can be dispensed with.
Your very true
& faithful Servant
Geo. Paulet
Captain R.N.
Major General
Sir Charles York
K.C.B. etc, etc.
___________________________________________________________________________________
There also is what appears to be a digest of the letter probably written by General Sir Charles’ Private
Secretary which states:
P25
George Paulet
Cor (Cornet?): by p (purchase?): June 56- age 20
Lord George Paulet
He asks for a Cornetcy without purchase
He wishes the ex (exam) at Sandhurst to be dispensed
With his son having served in the Militia
| The next letter expresses his father's gratitude for the commission |
D, I. Albany
Piccadilly
June 15th
Sir/
I did myself the honor of calling upon your Royal Highness yesterday afternoon for the purpose of expressing
my gratitude to your R. Highness for your very kind & early compliance with my request in granting a
cornetcy in the 8th Hussars to my son, but being unsuccessful in finding your Royal Highness at home I take
the liberty of writing these few lines to convey my best thanks for the great favor conferred upon me.
With much respect I have the honor to remain
Your Royal Highness’ very obedient and
humble servant
Geo Paulet
His Royal Highenss
The Duke of Cambridge
K.G. G.C.B. etc, etc.
General Commg in Chief
Piccadilly
June 15th
Sir/
I did myself the honor of calling upon your Royal Highness yesterday afternoon for the purpose of expressing
my gratitude to your R. Highness for your very kind & early compliance with my request in granting a
cornetcy in the 8th Hussars to my son, but being unsuccessful in finding your Royal Highness at home I take
the liberty of writing these few lines to convey my best thanks for the great favor conferred upon me.
With much respect I have the honor to remain
Your Royal Highness’ very obedient and
humble servant
Geo Paulet
His Royal Highenss
The Duke of Cambridge
K.G. G.C.B. etc, etc.
General Commg in Chief
