Sir Ralph Abercromby : no peace in rest

Abstract

Fate can be a fickle mistress, smiling upon some people and frowning upon others; even war heroes suffering similar deaths can sometimes be lionised or more often forgotten for no apparent reason. Take, for example, those two arch-enemies of Napoleon Bonaparte, admiral Lord Nelson and General Sir Ralph Abercromby. Each suffered fatal gunshot wounds in the heat of battle and yet Nelson is revered as a national hero and poor Abercromby lies forgotten, mouldering beneath a neglected marble slab. This article examines the fate suffered by the hapless general and explores the myth surrounding his death and disturbed afterlife.