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Plassey, the pet tiger of the Royal Madras Fusiliers, 1870 circa (b / w photo)
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Plassey, the pet tiger of the Royal Madras Fusiliers, 1870 circa (b / w photo)
5922143 A PlasseyA, the pet tiger of the Royal Madras Fusiliers, 1870 circa (b/w photo) by Unknown photographer, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: A PlasseyA, the pet tiger of the Royal Madras Fusiliers, 1870 circa.
Carte de visite photograph, 1870 circa.
The regimental pet of the 102nd Regiment of Foot (Royal Madras Fusiliers) was a Bengal tiger cub called A PlasseyA. He was named after Robert CliveAs famous victory of 1757, which was also a battle honour of the Madras Fusiliers. Indeed, the cap badge of the Fusiliers also depicted a tiger, a beast much respected in Indian culture for its strength, grace and power.
A PlasseyA was one of a pair of tigers captured by Captain Frank Thackwell of the 5th Lancers, and presented by him to the Fusiliers. Legend has it that A PlasseyA was fairly tame and even on friendly terms with the 102ndAs other regimental pets in India, an antelope and a dog. In 1868, after 233 years of Indian service, the 102nd were shipped to England for the first time. A PlasseyA came with them and was certainly well behaved on the voyage home from India, when he was in the company of two young leopards. On arrival, he lived unchained with the garrison at Dover, but apparently alarmed the local inhabitants on several occasions. He was reluctantly sent to the local zoological gardens, where he eventually died.); eNational Army Museum; out of copyright
Media ID 23261640
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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This print captures the majestic Plassey, the pet tiger of the Royal Madras Fusiliers, circa 1870. The image showcases a Bengal tiger cub named A PlasseyA, who was adored by the regiment for his symbolic representation of strength and power. Named after Robert Clive's famous victory in 1757, which was also an honor bestowed upon the Madras Fusiliers, Plassey became an integral part of their identity. Legend has it that Captain Frank Thackwell of the 5th Lancers captured A PlasseyA along with another tiger and presented them to the Fusiliers. Despite being a wild animal, A PlasseyA developed a friendly relationship not only with his fellow regimental pets—an antelope and a dog—but also with his human companions. In 1868, after serving in India for over two centuries, the 102nd Regiment was transported back to England for the first time. Accompanying them on this journey were A PlasseyA and two young leopards. During their voyage home from India, A PlasseyA exhibited excellent behavior. Upon arrival in Dover, however, he caused some alarm among local residents due to his presence as an unchained tiger roaming freely within the garrison. Consequently, he was reluctantly relocated to a nearby zoological garden where he eventually passed away. This photograph serves as both a testament to British colonial history and as a reminder of humanity's complex relationship with animals—celebrating their beauty while acknowledging our responsibility towards them.
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