William Gibbs Straghan

William Gibbs Straghan was born in 1851. He entered the 9th East Norfolk Regiment in March 1873 as a lieutenant. He took part in the Jowaki campaign on the Northwest Frontier in 1877-78, and served with the regiment in the 2nd Afghan War of 1879-80, part of the time acting as Adjutant. He was in the advance to Kabul in the force commanded by Brig-General Charles Gough. He took part in the actions at Jugdulluck, Saidababad and the relief of Sherpore. Lt Col Straghan was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment at the end of September 1896, but his term of office was short-lived. In December 1897 he fell ill and took sick leave in Britain. On the voyage home his health deteriorated and he died on the ship. He was 46 years old.

1873 Lieutenant 6 Mar
1882 Captain 21 Mar
1887 appointed Adjutant of 2nd Battalion 30 Jun
1890 Major 20 Aug
1896 Lieutenant-Colonel 30 Sep

He was married to Ida Edith in 1876. In the photo he wears a scarlet dress tunic with white facings. The gold lace and braid sleeve decoration denotes the rank of captain and he has two rank stars on each shoulder. The white collar has gilt regimental badges of Britannia. The gold and crimson striped sash on his shoulder was worn on full dress occasions, together with a gold laced waist-belt. He has medals for his service on the Northwest Frontier and Afghanistan.