Holding page
A few months later, on 21 February 1856, Henry found out that he had been appointed Companion of the Bath. This was also published in Trewman’s Exeter Flying Post on that day, saying:
CB and Uniform Ribbon
HER Majesty has conferred on Deputy-Commissary-General Drake, now serving in the Crimea, the honour of “Commander [sic] of the most honourable Order of the Bath.” The gallant officer is son of Commissary-General Drake, who resided for several years at Dawlish.[1]
The next day, Henry wrote to his parents, John and Maria Drake in London, saying, “I shall want a bit of red ribbon, C.B. colour to put on my coat.” He proudly added, “So you see with my Red Ribbon, my Chevalier Cross, & Medal & three Clasps, I shall make quite an imposing appearance!” On 24 March, Henry’s wife, Louisa, wrote to her parents-in-law, saying,
“I sewed Henry’s Red Ribbon on his Coat this morning, to make a respectable appearance among the great of the land, I thought it looked very well, and Iam not a little proud of it, I agree with you in thinking he is a very lucky fellow and now more than all, in being in charge of this immense Army, if he gets the C.G.’s pay,[2] it will not be a sum to be despised, even for a week or two:”
Once again, Henry had temporary charge of the Commissariat in the Crimea, as Sir George Maclean decided to return “home” on 17 March, due to illness.
As hostilities were winding down, there was more time for the troops to enjoy other, more enjoyable, pastimes. On 19 March, Henry, Louisa, and Louisa Maria went to see the Guards Theatre performance of “Bachelor of Arts”. The Morning Post of 4 April gave the following
report:
HER Majesty has conferred on Deputy-Commissary-General Drake, now serving in the Crimea, the honour of “Commander [sic] of the most honourable Order of the Bath.” The gallant officer is son of Commissary-General Drake, who resided for several years at Dawlish.[1]
“I sewed Henry’s Red Ribbon on his Coat this morning, to make a respectable appearance among the great of the land, I thought it looked very well, and Iam not a little proud of it, I agree with you in thinking he is a very lucky fellow and now more than all, in being in charge of this immense Army, if he gets the C.G.’s pay,[2] it will not be a sum to be despised, even for a week or two:”