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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Bayntun, Francis Thomas

Bayntun, Francis Thomas, M.R.C.S. (England), Surgeon, Wellington Street, Auckland. This well-known practitioner, who has practised his profession in Auckland since 1865, is one of the few Crimean veterans still surviving. The son of Dr. W. R. Bayntun, and grandson of Sir A. R. Bayntun, Bart., of Spye Park, Wiltshire, England, Dr. Bayntun was born in 1833 in Bath, where he received his early education. After two years' study at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, owing to delicate health he was sent out on a visit to Australia and New Zealand, from which he returned eighteen months later suffering from ophthalmia. On recovering, he resumed his medical studies at the Hospital, and, on the outbreak of the Crimean war in 1852, having passed an examination in London, went to the seat of war. Dr. Bayntun was present at the taking of Sebastopol, and holds the Crimean medal and one clasp for Sebastopol, and the Turkish and French medals. On his return to London he was discharged, and in 1857 gained his degree as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Joining the Royal Wiltshire Militia as assistant surgeon, he subsequently obtained a commission by examination in H.M. Indian Army. After three weeks in India, he was attached to B. Troop, King's Dragoon Guards, under orders to join the China Expeditionary Force. Dr. Bayntun then went through the China War of 1860, for which service he received a medal and two bars. Having returned to India, he was stricken with Asiatic cholera on the line of march, and invalided Home. In 1865 he landed in Auckland, having determined to take up his residence in New Zealand. Four years later Dr. Payntun was married to Mrs. Hannah Forester, younger daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Low, founder of the firm of Low and Motion, millers and grain merchants, Auckland.