Captain Henry Christopher Wise (1829 – 12 December 1854) was the highest-ranking British soldier who died in the Eureka rebellion.
Henry Christopher Wise | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1829 Rome, Papal States (now Italy) |
| Died | 12 December 1854 (aged 25) Ballarat, Victoria, Australia |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Years active | 1852–1854 |
| Known for | Leading the 40th Regiment at the Battle of the Eureka Stockade |
| Title | Captain |
| Relatives | Henry Christopher Wise (father) |
Wise was the son of Henry Christopher Wise, an English Conservative politician, and his first wife Harriett Skipwith. He became a captain in the British army, and arrived in Victoria with the 40th (the 2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot in 1852.[1]
Wise was sent to Ballarat in November 1854 to suppress the miners' opposition. He was shot in both legs during the Battle of the Eureka Stockade and died eighteen days later.[2] According to some eyewitness accounts, he was shot by Edward Thonen.[3]
A memorial plaque to Captain Wise was erected in All Saints' Church, Leek Wootton.[2]
References
External links
- Entry in Eurekapedia, an encyclopedia about the Eureka Rebellion maintained by Ballarat Heritage Services