Major William Bolton and Harry Bolton

A portrait of Major William John Bolton of the Royal Artillery and his son Harry Bolton.

According to Hart’s Army List (1871), Major W.J. Bolton ‘served in the Eastern campaign of 1854-55 with the siege train throughout the siege of Sebastopol, including the bombardments of 17th October, 9th April, 6th and 17th June, 17th August and 8th September; was present at the battle of Inkerman (mentioned in despatches, Brevet of Major, Medal with two clasps, Knight of the Legion of Honour, 5th Class of the Medjedie, and Turkish Medal).

Major Bolton is seen here with his son, Harry Bolton, identified by an inked inscription in a period hand on the reverse of the mount. The boy appears on the 1861 census, living with his grandparents, Robin and Elizabeth Coffin, and his mother, Henrietta Juliet Bolton, at North Swiss Cottage, Worthing. Mrs Bolton describes herself on the census as ‘Wife of Major, Royal Artillery’ and the boy’s full name is given as William Henry Coffin Bolton. According to an announcement in the Times (26 June 1860), he was born at Worthing on 23 June 1860.

Major William John Bolton died at 5 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen [Scotland] on 9 September 1888.

At the time of the 1911 census, his son Harry was a 'Military Tutor' living at 48 Philbeach Gardens in Earl's Court [London] with his wife Martha, an unmarried daughter and one servant.

Photographed by Harvey Goble of Worthing.