BLACK BOB

Rollo Gillespie

When Colonel Rollo Gillespie fell at Kalunga in 1814 his charger Black Bob was put for sale. At the auction his saddle and housing were still spotted with his gallant master's blood. The horse was valued at 300 guineas but an officer of the 25th Light Dragoons bid 400 guineas. The Regiment subscribed 500 guineas and Black Bob became the property of the King's Royal Irish Hussars.

He always marched at the head of the regiment and by all accounts was proud of his position.

But the regiment was ordered home and circumstances made it impossible for them to take Black Bob with them. He was put up for sale and bought by a civilian at Cawnpore. The regiment returned half the purchase money on the condition that the old horse should pass the remainder of his life in comfort.

But as the days passed and Black Bob saw no more uniforms nor heard the sound of trumpet or familiar voices he began to pine and refused his food. His owner took outside to a paddock hoping that the old horse would improve. 

Once in the open Black Bob jumped the bamboo fence and galloped of to the cantonments of the European cavalry. He made for the parade ground and stood in the spot where he and his master Colonel Gillespie had so often received the salute from the squadrons of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars as they rode passed.

A moment in his rightful place and then Black Bob fell down dead.

Bob Black

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