Major Rollo Gillespie Burslem

In the adventurous annals of the Victorian military, few figures transitioned from the heat of the Afghan frontier to the storied cloisters of Windsor Castle with as much distinction as Major Rollo Gillespie Burslem. Born in Java and seasoned on the battlefields of Central Asia, Burslem was a quintessence of the 19th-century officer-scholar—a soldier whose bravery at the storming of Ghuznee was matched by his intellectual curiosity as an explorer and author.

Early Service and Royal Presentation

Born in Welter Vreeden, Java, in 1813, Rollo was the son of the highly decorated Colonel Nathaniel Burslem KH and Sarah Norris Brooke. His public life began with significant ceremony; on April 13, 1832, he was appointed an Ensign in the 13th Regiment of Foot. Before departing for India, he was honored by a presentation to King William IV at St. James’ Palace on July 4, 1832, introduced by his father.

He arrived in Calcutta on October 24, 1832, aboard the Caesar. His career progressed through the traditional purchase system, being appointed Lieutenant on March 27, 1835.

The Campaigns of Afghanistan

Burslem served with distinction during the First Anglo-Afghan War. He was a central participant in the storm and capture of Ghuznee in 1839, an action for which he was awarded the Ghuznee Medal. His service record further details his presence at the capture of Tootumdurrah, Joolghur, and the night attack at Baboo Koosh Gur.

In 1840, Burslem undertook a daring survey of the Hindu Kush, traveling through 200 miles of treacherous mountain territory. His experiences were chronicled in his 1846 publication, "A Peep into Toorkisthan," which provided the Victorian public with a rare, firsthand account of the geography and tribes of the region.

Regimental Command and Promotion

Returning to England in 1842, Burslem was promoted to Captain on December 20. The following years saw him in various command roles, including service at the Regimental Depot in Chatham. He ascended to the rank of Major on November 8, 1850.

His regimental service was extensive, overseeing depots in Ireland and Scotland between 1848 and 1854. In 1857, he managed a strategic retirement; he exchanged to the 43rd Regiment of Foot on half-pay and immediately sold his commission, transitioning to civilian life.

Governor of the Military Knights

After a brief period as a farmer in Hampshire and a brickmaker in Kent, Burslem returned to royal service in a ceremonial capacity. In 1870, he was appointed a Military Knight of Windsor. His leadership was once again utilized when he was named Governor of the Military Knights of Windsor in 1876, a position he held for two decades.

Living within the walls of Windsor Castle, he became a fixture of royal life, attending ceremonies such as the 1890 unveiling of the memorial to Emperor Frederick by Queen Victoria. Major Rollo Gillespie Burslem died on March 26, 1896, in Windsor. He was buried in the Windsor Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most distinguished officers of his generation.

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