Lt. D BAYNES, 75th Foot at Tel-el-Kebir, Gordons

[Albert J]

I'm looking for information on Lt. D. Baynes of the 75th Ft. / 1st Gordons. I know Baynes was with the 1st Gordons at Tel-El-Kebir, but in what capacity? The Army Lists I have do not go back far enough for an accurate picture. Any information is most welcome. His India pattern frock (sadly not worn at Tel-El-Kebir) has an oval piece of white cotton in the pocket bearing the following information...Lt. D. Baynes HM 75th. With the following written faintly above 1437. His forage cap bears his faint initials.

Thanks,
James

[Mark A. Reid]

Hello James;

I don't know if this is your man but the only D. Baynes in Hart's October 1893 Army List is;

Douglas Dyneley BAYNES who is listed under the Indian Staff Corps as a Squadron Officer, 12 Bengal Cavalry. His last regiment was the Highland Light Infantry and he was promoted Lieutenant on 23 Aug 1884.

If this is not him then my apologies for misleading anyone. I believe that earlier Army Lists are available on Google Books and you may be able to trace him there with more accuracy. In addition, another Forum Member, Jim Murray, is quite an expert on the Gordon Highlanders and might be able to provide better information.

The book The Campaign of 1882 in Egypt by Colonel J.F. Maurice lists a D.L. BAYNES as a captain with the Gordons and describes his service as " Defence of Alexandria. " He sounds like a more likely candidate than the above chap.

Sounds like a great " find " by the way, good luck with the research!

Cheers,

Mark

[Albert J]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the direction. I have to agree that it is probably Captain DL Baynes. The frock I have is to a Lt., though by the time of the Egyptian campaign it's probable Baynes made captain in the Gordons after the reforms of '81.

Thanks,
James(AlbertJ)

[crimea1854]

Hi James

Having done a little research online it looks as if Capt DL Baynes died around 25-27 August 1882, while in Alexandria. His death is commemorated on the war memorial in Duthie Park, Aberdeen. It also looks as if he served with the Commissariat & Transport Staff in South Africa during the Zulu War. He is on the medal roll for this war for a no clasp medal, with the rank of Lieut., although his name has been crossed through. The roll shows him 'serving with the 75th'.

Extract from 'THE ANGLO ZULU WAR OF 1879. UNITS INVOLVED, THEIR OFFICERS, POSTINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.': Lieutenant. Baynes, D.L. 75th Foot. Proceeded to Natal on Transport Service, and was employed during the war on the lines of communication and at the base.

Martin

[Albert J]

Martin,

Many thanks. I couldn't find the excerpt on line regarding his death in Alexandria. Was there any indication if this was due to ill health or wounds received?

I did find the extract from the Anglo Zulu War. I find this to be a very tantalizing tid-bit with the prospect of this frock have been worn during the Zulu War. It's condition echos use on campaign. The extract also mentions another officer of the 75th
Capt. Edward Essex, the columns main supply officer, who survived Isandlwana. Is it possible Baynes was at Isandlwana? To me it would be more likely Baynes was at the new camp that was established prior to the battle, with Essex giving transport direction from Isandlwana. I'm finding myself more intrigued by the Isandlwana connection than the initial inquiry regarding Tel-El-Kabir!

James