PEOPLE – CAMERON. R. A. Captain. Death of

Accreditation the Middlesbro and Stockton Gazette 24/04/1868

DEATH OF CAPT CAMERON, R.A.,

ADJUTANT 1st N.Y.A.V.

            We have this week to record the death of Capt Rouquier John Cannon, R. A., well known and esteemed in this district as Adjutant of the First North York Artillery Volunteers. The deceased gentleman entered the Army in 1840, being then 18 years old, and served at Gibraltar as captain in the Royal Artillery. He was never engaged on active service. Shortly after being placed upon the half pay list he was, in August 1960, appointed adjutant to our local artillery volunteers, a position he retained until within two days of his death, continued ill health having induced him to sever his connection with the corps with which he had been identified from the year of its formation, in view of seeking better health in a more southerly part of the country. Only the day previous to his death, which was somewhat unexpected, the arrangements for leaving Redcar to his new home near Aldershot were completed, but as he appeared to be rather more debilitated than usual on the Wednesday, it was thought desirable for him to remain a short time longer, rather than enter upon a tedious railway journey. On Friday he became worse, and he died about three o’clock in the afternoon. The deceased took a prominent and painstaking part in the organisation of the first North York Artillery Volunteers, and with a success of the most unequivocal kind, the efficiency of the brigade at gun drill being a theme of congratulation by the reviewing officer at every annual inspection. Regarding the discharge of his less public, though perhaps more orders, duties in connection with the brigade, the most flattering testimony has been borne to his attention and competency upon more than one occasion; and all the staff non-commissioned officers are unanimous in expressions of esteem for the deceased, and regret at the removal of one at whose hands they have ever received the most gentlemanly and considerate treatment. Upon the occasion of the funeral, which took place at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Kirkleatham, on Monday (20/04), many of the shops in Redcar and Coatham were closed. The weather was fine, but the sky cloudy. A large number of members of the corps with which Capt Cannon was connected, from Middlesbrough will, Esther, Redcar, unmasked, with the band, in uniform assembled at the Clarendon Hotel, Redcar, to pay a last tribute of respect to the late adjutant. The officers present were Major T. L. Elwon, Captain H. Thompson, J. B. Rudd, A. H. Newcomen, J. Hill, J. Stevenson, J. G. Swarm, and J. S. Pennyman; Lieutenants Manners, Veitch, Modue, Jacques, and Ellerton; surgeon T. W. S. Locke; and Assistant Surgeon W.-year-old. Many inhabitants of Redcar and Coatham also gathered in the same place and accompanied the procession. Many numerous ladies, visitors, and residents, were also present as spectators, when the procession left the location informal order.

The cortege left Redcar about 12:30 o’clock passing through Coatham, to Kirkleatham, but a slow march, Handel’s well-known “Dead March” in Saul being played by the band. On arriving at the churchyard, the body was received by the Rev. W. Milburne, and the Rev. J. D. Wawn, incumbent of Kirklees by whom the service in church and the grave was conducted. Upon the coughing was the following inscription :-“Rouquier John Canon, Capt. Royal Artillery, died April 17, 1868, Aged 47 years.”

Before leaving the churchyard, “Luther’s Hymn” (Great God, what do I see and hear!”), was

played over the grave by the band, with the whole of the mourners and spectators remaining to the conclusion of that thrilling composition. After many a “last and lingering look,” the procession reformed outside the churchyard, and proceeded homeward the band playing “The British Grenadiers.” Lieutenant Col Chaloner was unavoidably absent.

FacebookTwitterDiggMore...

Lol Hansom March 9, 2013 People & Characters