Description:A postcard portrait of Sergeant-Instructor George Allchin who was born in East Malling, Kent in 1814. This photograph was taken in his 92nd year, not long before his death in 1907. At the time of this photograph he was living in almshouses at 9, New Lane (now Fortescue Lane), Rugeley.
On the reverse of the postcard it states ‘A Veteran Indeed !’ and lists his service as follows:
Enlisted in the 2nd Queen’s Royal Sussex Regiment in 1833.
1st Afghan Campaign (6 Engagements and the Relief of Candahar).
21 years with the Colours.
12 years in the Staffordshire Militia.
22 years Instructor to the Rugeley Volunteers.
Making 55 years’ service for his Queen and Country.
The report of his funeral in the Staffordshire Advertiser has slightly differing dates: 1833-55 Queens Royal Sussex Regiment; 1855-65 2nd Staffordshire Militia;1865-82 Sgt. Instructor with Rugeley Volunteers; total of 49 years service. It also notes that for many years after 1882 he continued to act as drill-instructor to the boys of Rugeley Grammar School. He was buried with full Military Honours with volleys fired over the grave.