Lieut. Gen. Sir Charles Knight Pearson K.C.M.G., C.B.

Sir Charles Knight Pearson K.C.M.G. cr. 1879; C.B.; Born: 1834; Died: Oct. 1909; Married: Marian, daughter of Sir R Miller Mundy, R.A. K.C.M.G. 1866. Entered army, 1852; Lieut-Gen. 1891; served Crimea; Zulu War, 1979; commanded troops in West Indies, 1885-90; Held the appointment of the Superintendent of the Royal Military Hospital, Netley, 1880-85. Retired 1895. Address (- 1899/1900 -): Oakhayes, Woodbury, S.Devon. Club: United Services.

The Tugela river at Fort Pearson (South Africa).

SOUTH AFRICA (Zulu War).
Overlooking the original Lower Tugela Drift is the ruin of a small fort, Fort Pearson, built in 1878 by the British when they were preparing for the invasion of Zululand. It was named after Colonel Charles Knight Pearson, commander of the right, or eastern prong of the advance into Zululand, which had to cross the Tugela River at this point. The forces at Fort Pearson under the command of Colonel Charles Pearson consisted of a battalion of the 99th regiment, the second Battilion third regiment, a troop of mounted Imperial Infantry, a mixed mounted force of rifles, a company of Natal Native Pioneers and two battilions of the seconds Natal Native Contingent. Pearson also had at his disposal 200 men of the Naval Brigade armed with two seven-pounders and a gatling gun.

PRIMROSE LEAGUE.
All the following items were contained within the envelope shown at the bottom of the page. It is not known if Sir Charles was anything more than just a Knight of the Primrose League or if Lady Pearson did anything more than just support her husband.

Diploma of Knighthood to Lieut. Gen. Sir Charles Knight Pearson. Measures: 8.7" by 5.6"

Diploma of a Dame to Lady Marian Pearson. Measures: 8.7" by 5.6"

Folding Membership Cards to Sir Charles and Lady Pearson. The front cover is identical on all three. Measures: 3.9" by 3.2"

Invitation Letter to Sir Charles Pearson. Measures: 4.9" by 7.6"

Unused Visitors Ticket (one of a pair). Measures: 4.5" by 3.0"

Official Primrose League envelope. Measures: 9.2" by 6.2"

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13th October 2005. John R.P.King.