STOKE ST  MARY,  SOMERSET,   ENGLAND

STOKE ST MARY HISTORICAL RECORDS

Census BMD Maps Tithes Lists

Walsh Lock Lance Shaw Farrant Patton The Village

 Home 

BRIGADIER GENERAL HENRY BETHUNE PATTON

Colonel Henry Bethune Patton, son of Thomas and heir to the estates in Stoke St. Mary,  had spent many years at Stoke House before his desire for a change of scene brought him down the hill to Stoke Court. [which he bought in 1877]

He was born in 1835, and following the military traditions of his family, made his career in the army.  He was educated at Sandhurst where he gained his commission  in 1851 without purchase.  ,He  joined the 27th Inniskillings on December 30, 1851.  

In 1854 he embarked for India and served throughout the Indian Mutiny of 1857 – 58, gaining a medal for his services. He was on the staff of Lieutenant-General Sir Sidney Cotton KCB at Peshawar as acting ADC and it was in this capacity that he witnessed numerous events in connection with the great outbreak of natives.

At the end of 1857 Colonel Patton was posted as Lieutenant to a volunteer troop of the Bengal Horse Artillery raised from the 27th, 70th, and 87th Regiments at Peshawar, and did duty with the troop for nearly 2 years until promoted captain.

THE BATTLE FOR STOKE ST MARY

In 1883 he rallied members of A and B Companies of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the PASLI (Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry) for a march-out and drill. The volunteers marched to Stoke St Mary from the Armoury at Cheapside, led by the band.

Meeting them outside the village, the Colonel said that he was expecting them to do better than they had done at the recent review at Orchard Portman, where they had been somewhat disorganised and, had it been actual warfare, there would have been severe loss of life. On this occasion, therefore, they were to regard themselves as an advanced guard from Taunton, sent to rescue the village from an enemy force.

He went on to say that the pioneers, under Sergeant Potter (who would find he carried his axe for use and not ornament), should first of all destroy bridges and knock down houses to make barricades - but as his neighbours would probably object to this, they were to imagine that it had already been done.  The band was then sent to the rear and the companies marched into the village.

Having rescued Stoke St Mary from the enemy under very heavy fire, the volunteers were marched to the lawn tennis ground on the summit of Stoke Hill, where they were 'most hospitably entertained' by Colonel and Mrs Patton with coffee, claret cup, sandwiches, pipes and tobacco - 'in fact, everything required to sustain the flagging energies of the toil-worn soldiers after a hard fought engagement'. A large bonfire was lit and the band played.

Finally, after rousing cheers for their host, the soldiers marched back to Taunton after what had been perhaps the most enjoyable march-out ever held.

Taunton Courier 1883

“On the 3rd August 1857 the regiment furnished one corporal and twenty-eight privates as volunteers to the 4th Troop, 2nd Brigade Bengal Horse Artillery. Lieutenant H. B. Patton was also attached to the troop.”  

In 1860 he was appointed to the post of Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General of the Umballa Division.

Headquarters of a cavalry brigade belonging to the Northern army. The cantonment, which lies 4 m. south-east of the native town, is well laid out with broad roads shaded by trees. It contains a church, a club-house, several hotels and English shops.

He retired from the service in 1861, but afterwards served as lieutenant and captain in the West Somerset Yeomanry cavalry until 1876.

It was in 1878 that he joined the 2nd Somerset Rifle Volunteers as Major, and in 1880 he obtained the honorary rank of Colonel, and the command of the battalion, which then became the 2nd Volunteer Battalion the Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry.

In 1887 he had the honour of commanding the 14th Volunteer Brigade at Aldershot, on the occasion of her Majesty's Jubilee review.

He had a soldier's misfortune to live his middle years during a period largely devoid of war, and by the 1870s he had settled himself in Stoke St. Mary to  play the role of village squire.  'He lived the life of an ideal gentleman' it was remarked of him when he died, and in the villages of Thurlbear and Stoke St. Mary,  few figures were more familiar or well-liked.  

His wife, Georgina Patton, was long remembered by the school-children at Thurlbear as the donor of stout boots and red cloaks, but the Colonel himself had an equal share of their gratitude:  it was he who in the summer months provided the excitement of the Volunteer Review at Orchard Portman, an event which regularly emptied the schools at Thurlbear and Staple Fitzpaine as crowds gathered see the soldiers drill, or even better, to watch a mock battle.

Colonel Patton’s work for the Volunteer Reserve in Somerset was perhaps some compensation for a too peaceful existence and it was as commander of the 2nd Somerset Volunteer Battalion that the county knew him best.   

REVIEW AND SHAM FIGHT AT ORCHARD PORTMAN.

On Monday afternoon last the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry were reviewed at Orchard Portman, by Colonel Montgomery. The men assembled on the drill ground near the Taunton station at 1.15 p.m., and were marched from there to Orchard Portman headed by the band.  In front of the main body small detachments marched as advanced guard.  The rear was brought up by the ambulance waggon and doctors.  

The companies engaged were:-

Taunton (2), Wiveliscombe, Wellington, Wiliton, Bridgwater (2), Langport, South Petherton, Crewkerne, Chard, and Yeovil,

and the total strength numbered nearly 800, under the command of Colonel Patton, with Major Harbin as second in command.

Before starting from the drill ground Colonel Patton briefly addressed the volunteers, specially urging upon them three things—to be steady, smart, and silent in the ranks, and in the manoeuvres of the day.  The field was reached about 3 p.m., and the volunteers entered it in twelve companies, each fifty strong, and having their own officers and buglers, &c.  

On being again formed into companies, they were divided into two portions to engage in a sham fight, of which the following was the general idea :—

An enemy having landed at Seaton has pushed forward an advanced guard threaten­ing Taunton, having bivouacked on Orchard hills, and occupied south end of Orchard field with outposts.   

Intelli­gence of the same having been received by the officer in command of the troops at Taunton, the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry is despatched to feel for and hold the enemy in check, if possible to force his out posts back upon the main body.

Soon after 4pm the battalion, about 800 strong, marched from the saluting flag in column of route through Great Orchard field, covered by an advanced guard detach­ing the two rear companies, under the command of Col. Sir Alfred Slade, Bart., to force the enemy’s outposts.

The remainder of the battalion proceeded to a field at the junction of the main road to Chard, and that leading to Mr Bond's house, and at once proceeded to form for attack by extending the advanced guard from its right, prolonging the line right and left by two other companies, three being in support, and the remainder in reserve deployed at twenty-five paces interval between the companies. During attack, Col Sir A. Slade carefully concealed his pickets in strong positions, and covered them by picket sentries thrown out in front.  He also sent patrols out to examine all enclosures, such as stone walls, churchyard, and the orchards opposite.

After the force protecting Taunton had advanced to the high ground in front overlooking the position of the enemy in places, the scouts of the fighting lines and the enemy’s patrols sighted each other, resulting in a slow dropping fire as they retired by the stronghold held by the pickets.  The fighting line, as it advanced over the crest, and under a smart cross fire at about 500 yards distance, was at once ordered to lay down, and were pushed rapidly forward by rushes by companies to the stone wall in front.  At the same time Major Harbin, who was separated from the centre and left attack by a hedge-row, pushed on under a hot fire in the general line, keeping his right slightly forward so as to fully develop his fire against left.  

 At this stage of the action, a dashing attempt was made by the enemy’s cavalry to charge Major Harbin’s right flank but, rallying squares en echelon on the part of his fighting line and the well-directed fire of his support checked their advance, advantage of which was taken by Captain Knollys, commanding the support of the centre attack, to wheel his company, and rush at the double, and to fire over the hedge several volleys at the retreating cavalry.  

The officer commanding the 2nd P.A.S.L1. seeing it was quite useless to try and dislodge the enemy . by a direct attack, as their position was of great strength and only their helmet spikes seen to fire at, at once resolved to try and turn their right flank, and ordered his left fighting line to advance over the wall and into the churchyard and orchard in front, turning a position of great strength, not more than 250 yards distant from the enemy’s right picket.  Both forces from behind the cover of the walls kept up a tremendous fire, and under cover of it the centre and right attack were pushed forward into a gully running nearly parallel to the enemy's position, and about 250 yards distant.  The supports were reinforced from behind the wall, Major Peard commanding the reserve occupying their late position, so that it was not only concealed but entirely protected from the enemy’s fire.  Maj. Harbin on the right had also pushed forward into the general alignment.  Col. Sir Alfred Slade had, however, so skilfully placed his men, that in spite of the overwhelming force of the attack he resolutely held his position, so that the officer in command directed  Capt Woodhouse, who commanded the left company of the reserve, to double down the lane and complete the turning movement on the enemy's right.  

Whilst in performance of this duty, Major Helyar, in command of the cavalry, having with great rapidity appeared on the other flank of attack, obliged him to delay this important movement, and the result might have been extremely detrimental had not Capt. Poole had his company well in hand, and by wheeling it up poured in a heavy fire, which caused them to retreat.   As the fighting line,, after being reinforced, had now crept up to within 200 yards or less of the enemy, the reserve was brought into action, the fire from which was so heavy that in a short time the moment would have arrived to fix bayonets and charge, but the “cease fire ” from the commanding officer's bugler was repeated along both lines, and the battalion again formed upon its parade ground.  

During the fight Surgeon-Major Bidden, with the attack, and Dr. Kemmis, with the defence, established the field hospitals in well-protected positions, and rapidly, by aid of the staff-officers and a strong detachment of men, who had been skilfully taught ambulance duties by Surgeon Winterbotham, cleared the ground of the killed and wounded.

Colonel Patton expressed his satisfaction in the following speech:  “I can only say that I never felt so proud during the whole course of my life since the hour I was born, as I did this afternoon to sit at the head of this splendid battalion.  I was most highly gratified at your extreme steadiness and with all you have done during the day.  More perfect discipline in camp and in quarters could not have been shown, than has been shown during the past year.  I thank you with all my heart.  I am proud to command you and I will give you the best years of my life and devote it to your service as long as you respond in the manner you have done to my most humble services.  

A most substantial meal was provided for the men by their caterers,  and was spread upon long tables placed along one side of the field.

There does not appear to have . been any accident what­ever, the utmost extent of the damage being a few singed coats, which were burnt by men shouldering their rifles when very hot from the incessant firing.

A number of friends were afterwards entertained by Colonel Patton in a large marquee erected on the ground.

On the return of the camp contingent at their headquarters at Staple Fitzpaine at the conclusion of the sham fight on Friday, a bountiful meal was provided for the men to which, as might be imagined, ample justice was done.

Taunton Courier – 1 August 1883

NIGHT ATTACK

During the night the gallant Colonel, ever anxious to secure the efficiency of his regiment under all circumstances, had arranged that an alarm should be raised in the camp in order to test the action of the men.  The idea was that the quarter guard were suddenly attacked by an enemy stationed in the adjoining wood and responded by a few shots.  This took place about four o#clock.  The alarm bugle immediately sounded, and to their credit be it said, within four minutes the greater part of the battalion were out in extended order and had commenced firing on the enemy.  Of course the regiment had not the slightest idea of what was about to take place and therefore the promptitude with which they turned out was all the more gratifying.  The dress of the men was somewhat curious, some being only partially attired, whilst others had, simply their sleeping dress, but it is highly creditable that the regiment should have sacrificed personal comforts to duty, and that upon the alarm bugle sounding they were immediately on the alert and responded to the call at a minutes#s notice.

When the surprising enemy had been satisfactorily dealt with, the gallant defenders of the camp were drawn up and Colonel Patton addressed a few remarks to the men.  He pointed out that the reason he had called them out was to see how they would act under such exceptional circumstances and he was highly pleased at the manner with which the men had responded to the bugle call, and he complimented them on the promptitude with which they had acted.  He added that had they been engaged in actual warfare their picquets and outposts would’ve been stationed about a mile outside the camp and thus when the alarm was given they would have had had ample time to prepare themselves for the attack.  The battalion was then dismissed.

Taunton Courier 5 Aug 1885

The Territorials camped every year in the summer and had sham battlies and in 1892 there was another attack on Stoke St Mary and Stoke Hill.

A and B Companies again marched from the Armoury to Stoke Hill via Holway and Henlade, headed by the Cyclist Corps and the pioneers and signallers - and, of course, the band.

On arrival at Stoke Hill they found the Ilminster contingent already in place and ready to defend the hill against attack. The Taunton companies were greeted with a volley from the defending forces, which they promptly returned.  Once the defenders had been entirely routed, the companies formed into a square where they were entertained to supper, beer, pipes and tobacco by Colonel Patton.  It was two o'clock in the morning by the time they had marched back to Taunton at the end of the festivities.

Taunton Courier June 1892

It is with pleasure that we have to record the promotion of Colonel Patton of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry to the rank of Brigadier General the London Gazette of the evening of May 28 contained the following: –

Volunteer Staff.  Infantry Volunteer Brigade.  Severn Brigade:  Lieutenant colonel and Honorary Colonel Henry Bethune Pattond,  2nd volunteer Battalion of the Prince Albert's Somerset Light Infantry, to command the Brigade and to be granted the rank of Colonel in the volunteer forces. Dated 29th of May 1889.

The news of Colonel Patton’s  promotion will be received with gratification by the officers and men of the 2nd Somerset Volunteer Battalion with whom owing to his soldier-like qualities and the interest he has always taken in those under his command, the gallant Colonel is extremely popular.

The Severn Volunteer Brigade, which Colonel Patton now commands, consists of the following regiments: –

2nd, 3rd Volunteer Battalions Somerset Light Infantry

2nd, 3rd, 4th Volunteer Battalion's South Wales Borderers

1st Volunteer Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment

3rd Volunteer Battalion, Welsh Regiment.

In August 1901 he retired from his Command of the Brigade.

Of our remaining pictures one which has a special interest in connection with this camp is that of Brig Gen H Buthane Patton CB  of the Severn  Volunteer Infantry Brigade staff.

In the early part of the week spent on Salisbury plain it became generally known that the Brigadier was about to retire from his  command and it was unanimously resolved to hold a combined military Tattoo in his honour, a function which passed off most successfully, and afforded pleasant testimony to the regard and esteem in which Brigadier General Patton is held by his battalions on both sides of the Bristol Channel.

It should be mentioned that the Brigadier formally spent several years in the regular army; and that for a considerable period of his later life he has devoted very special attention to the growth and training of the volunteer force. He was an able and popular Colonel of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, and when, the Severn Brigade was formed in 1889, his appointment to the higher command gave very general satisfaction, which has since been intensified by his wholehearted efforts to promote the efficiency and welfare of the brigade in a variety of directions.

The mixed character of the Severn Brigade should be borne in mind in appreciating Brigadier General Patton services.  It is not everyone who possesses the tact and savoir-faire necessary to maintain harmony between 4 English and 3 Welsh Battalions.  In such cases there may be an excellent basis of mutual esteem and good feeling, but unless the Brigadier is an officer thoroughly and universally respected, there may constantly arise small difficulties and misunderstandings which, for want of an authoritative decision that will command general acceptance, can never be properly rectified.

To his more popular qualities Brigadier General Bethune Patton has added those of a good soldier and a sound disciplinarian, and the regret so freely expressed throughout the Brigade at his retirement are evidently inspired by was appreciation of this fact, as well as by the loss of a thoroughly kind and considerate commander.

On the outbreak of real fighting in 1914 the Colonel was almost 80 years old and near the end of his life.  But he was determined to contribute what he could to ;  the greatest struggle of all time;’ and at the beginning of October addressed an  enormous crowd at the opening of St. Matthew's Fair in Bridgwater.  About 20 men enlisted that day and at the end of the meeting the show organ played the National Anthem.  In November the Colonel marched at the head of his old reserve battalion on their way through the streets of Taunton to the railway station and to India.  He shook hands with as many as he could on the station platform, urged them to dress warmly then waved goodbye, never to see them again.  

Two months later on New Year's 1915 he died at Stoke Court, happily ignorant of the terrible war which lay ahead.   The  county at large remembered him as a soldier; the villagers of Stoke mourned him as a generous squire and landlord, recalling perhaps his stirring speech to the school-children on Empire Day or his part in the Jubilee celebrations at Thurlbear in 1897 when the weather was glorious in the Rectory field and a brass band played.

He asked to be carried over the fields of his own estate for burial at Stoke Church, but the land was thick with mud after heavy rain, and on the day of the funeral it was down the lane to the village that the procession made its way from Stoke Court.  An observer left a description of the flag-draped coffin bearing sword and decorations, of the procession moving slowly through the village in the grey light of early morning, of the villagers who paused in their work, or watched from their gardens, or stood at cottage doors.  None who witnessed the funeral ever forgot it, and hindsight seems to recognise in the event not only the passing of the last village squire but the end of a way of life for the whole community.  In the aftermath of war the fact of change was to become only too apparent in rural communities throughout England.  For one Somerset village, the close of the old order was acted out that January dawn.