General Sir John Spink KH

1857-1877

Born in 1783 in Staithes, North Yorkshire, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the 12^th Foot on 2^nd September 1806; Lieutenant 9^th March 1807; Captain 13^th October 1812; transferred to 4^th Foot 8^th November, 1821; Major by purchase, 92^nd Foot 13^th May 1824; Lieutenant Colonel, by purchase, 20^th May 1826, 23^rd November, 1841 Brevet Colonel, Major General 11^th November, 1851; Colonel 2^nd Foot, The Queen's 28^th May 1857. Promoted Lieutenant General 26^th October 1858 and General, 12^th January, 1865.

He served with the Light Company of the 12^th Foot in several actions in Travancore War, East Indies. Severely wounded through the leg when leading a night attack against the enemy's position at St. Mary, in the Island of Bourbon; present also at the capture of the "Isle of France," where his Company, armed with rifles, formed the advance, immediately on the disembarkation of the troops, and with which he was constantly engaged with the enemy during the three days' march on Port Louis.

In 1820 he married Charlotte Beaumont McCumming, daughter of John McCumming, Captain, 31^st Foot, Seigneur of Grand Vallee de Montes, Lower Canada and Charlotte Beaumont of Kirkheaton, Yorkshire.

There were no children of the marriage. He was awarded the KH in 1835.

He died on the 14^th March 1877 at his residence, Clifton House, 8 Norwood Park and he and his wife are buried in Shirley Parish Church.

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