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Harry Rawson
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Harry Rawson
Admiral Sir Harry Holdsworth Rawson (1843 1910), chiefly remembered for overseeing the British Benin Expedition of 1897 that burned and looted the city of the Kingdom of Benin, now in Nigeria. No shame was attached to the event at the time, which amounted to a punitive expedition, and Admiral Rawson was appointed Governor of New South Wales, 27 May 1902 27 May 1909. Date: 1901
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Admiral Benin Harry Nigeria Rawson Warships 1901
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Admiral Sir Harry Holdsworth Rawson (1843-1910): A British Naval Hero and Colonial Governor, Known for the Benin Expedition of 1897 This striking photograph captures the stern visage of Admiral Sir Harry Holdsworth Rawson, a prominent figure in late-19th century British naval history. Born in 1843, Rawson joined the Royal Navy at a young age and rose through the ranks with distinction. By 1901, he had earned the title of Admiral and was a seasoned military leader. However, Rawson is most infamously remembered for his role in the British Benin Expedition of 1897. At the time, the Kingdom of Benin, now located in modern-day Nigeria, was a thriving and prosperous West African state. However, tensions between the British and the Benin monarchy had been escalating for years, with the British demanding access to the royal palace and the payment of a tribute. In response, Rawson led a punitive expedition of British warships and troops to the city of Benin. The result was the infamous sack of Benin City, during which the British forces looted and burned the ancient city, destroying countless works of art and cultural treasures. The event was not viewed as a shameful act at the time, but rather as a necessary display of British power and dominance. Despite the controversy surrounding the Benin Expedition, Rawson went on to serve as the Governor of New South Wales from 1902 to 1909. He died in 1910, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy. This photograph, taken in 1901, captures Rawson in his prime, a symbol of the British imperial power and naval might of the era.
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