Private Andrew McFarlane, 7/11/1835-6/9/1904. "a thin red line"

"There is no retreat from here, men.  You must die where you stand."  Those are the words which history records were said by Sir Colin Campbell to the 93rd Highland Regiment at the Battle of Balaclava, during the Crimean War.  

It is not certain that he said those words.  It is not certain that Andrew McFarlane was one of the 500 of the 93rd who heard them - if they were said.  And it is also not certain that the 400 Russian cavalrymen faced by two rows of kilted infantry were actually charging.  But the incident was reported with the description of the men - the only barrier between Russian forces and the British base - as "a thin red streak tipped with steel."  The "Times" reporter, William H Russell, later changed his phrasing to "a thin red line" and a legend was born.

DEATHS

McFARLANE. — On the 6th September, at Dunedin, Andrew McFarlane, late of Caversham, and late of the 93rd Regiment of Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders; in his seventieth year. Deeply regretted.  -Otago Witness, 7/9/1904.

The funeral of the late Mr Andrew McFarlane, an old soldier who saw service in the Crimean war, took place on Saturday afternoon. The deceased veteran was very properly accorded a military funeral in recognition of his having been one of those to uphold the British arms in a bygone generation.

The funeral procession was formed at the residence of deceased in Caversham, and was headed by the Garrison Band, under Lieutenant George. Following came the gun-carriage bearing the coffin, covered with the Union Jack and wreaths forwarded by sympathetic friends. The Caversham Rifles marched in rear of the gun-carriage, and next to them came representatives from most of the Volunteer companies in, and around Dunedin, the friends and acquaintances of deceased bringing up the rear.

The Dead March from "Saul" was played by the band as the procession moved slowly towards the Southern Cemetery. The funeral service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. R. J. Liddell,, and at its conclusion a firing party from the Caversham Rifles fired, three volleys over the grave of the old soldier and "The Last Post" was sounded by the bugler in attendance. A good many of the Veterans' Association also, attended to pay the last tribute of respect to their departed, comrade.  -Otago Witness, 14/9/1904.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.