Black Bob (horse)

Black Bob was a horse which was a mascot of the Eighth King's Royal Irish Light Dragoons mentioned in military history of the period.[1] Black Bob was the horse of Sir Rollo Gillespie and had been foaled of an Irish mare at the Cape of Good Hope.[2] Gillespie was killed while riding the horse at the Battle of Kalunga.[3] The horse was put up for sale in the saddle and trappings still stained with Gillespie's blood and purchased by troops of the Irish Dragoons themselves and became a regimental mascot.[4] On retirement he was sold to a civilian at Cawnpore.

References

  1. ^ United Service: A Monthly Review of Military and Naval Affairs 1891 "Pathetic Story of Black Bob. HE LOVED HIS REGIMENT AND DIED POSSIBLY OF A BROKEN HEART. The famous regimental pet in days gone by was " Black Bob," a horse which belonged to the Eighth King's Royal Irish Light Dragoons, now
  2. ^ James Grant, Andrew Hilliard Atteridge 1745-1826 -1897 Page 513 "The horse of Sir Robert Gillespie had been foaled of an Irish mare at the Cape of Good Hope. It was an animal of remarkable beauty, and from its jetty skin was popularly known among the Royal Irish Dragoons as "Black Bob." After the capture ..."
  3. ^ Pearson's Magazine 1899 - Volume 7 - Page 101 "Sir Robert fell dead on the neck of Black Bob at the Battle of Kalunga. Afterwards the horse was put up for sale in the saddle and trappings stained with his master's blood. He was bought by the privates of the 8th Royal Irish Light Dragoons for 500 guineas. Thereafter Black Bob marched at the head of the regiment.
  4. ^ James Grant British battles on land and sea -1885 Page 513 "But rather than that Black Bob should be lost to the regiment, the troopers subscribed the required sum, and the horse ... He was sold to a civilian at Cawnpore, but the Irish Dragoons gave him back half the money on receiving a promise that "