Colonel Sir Pertab Singh, K.C.S.I., and the Officers of the Jodhpur Lancers. (1897)

among the Indian Imperial Service Troops - indeed, even in the Indian Army itself - it would be hard to match the two regiments of Lancers quartered at Jodhpur, the capital of the Maharajah of Marwar's dominions.  They are composed entirely of those Rahtor Rajput  horsemen whose splendid heroism in the wars with the Marattas in the last century have been immortalised in the glowing pages of Tod's "Annals of Rajistan".  The Rahtor Rajputs of today have lost nothing of their old time martial enthusiasm.  They are brilliant horsemen, and the finest swordsmen in India, and the material of the two lancer regiments is an ideal one for light cavalry, while they have, further, the great good fortune of being led by a very exceptional man, Colonel Sir Pertab Singh, brother of the late, and uncle of the present, Maharajah of Marwar - "a nobleman of more than ordinary enlightenment, a keen soldier, and an accomplished gentleman, whose greatest and most genuine ambition is to bare his sword in the service of the Queen".  Our photograph shows Sir Pertab Singh and his officers at the Durbar held after the inspection at Jodhpur by the Viceroy of India during his last cold weather tour.  As a proof of the sterling military value of the Rahtor horsemen, the Indian military authorities are now endeavouring to introduce a proportion of Rahtor Rajputs into certain regiments of the Indian Regular Cavalry, and it is confidently expected taht the development of the enterprise will greatly increase the value of our Indian Cavalry, just as the fighting value of the Indian Infantry has been increased of late years by an infusion of Sikhs and Goorkhas.

Original page from the Army and Navy published 1897, this superb photograph measuring 10" x 8" of the Jodhpur Lancers for sale priced £20. Page includes above text.

Reference V4/163

JOHN AUGUSTUS WOOD  (Captains, afterwards Colonel)  20^th Bombay Native Infantry             At Bushire, Persia on December 9^th 1856, Captain Wood led the Grenadier Company, which formed the head of the assaulting column.  He sprang on the parapet of the fort, being the first to reach it, and was instantly attacked by a number of the enemy.  They fired a volley when only a yard distant from him, and, although hit by seven bullets, he flung himself upon the enemy, killed their leader with his sword, and with his own company, who were following close behind him, routed the enemy, and took their position.  His decision, energy, and determined valour, undoubtedly (to use the words of the Gazette) contributed in a high degree to the success of the attack.  His wounds compelled him to leave the force for a time, but, with the pluck and spirit of a good soldier, he rejoined his regiment, and returned to his duty at Bushire before the wounds were properly healed.  Captain Wood joined the army in 1839 and saw service in the Afghan War of 1842. 

ARTHUR THOMAS MOORE  (Lieutenant and Adjutant, now Major-General C.B.)  3^rd Bombay Light Cavalry            On February 8^th 1857, at the battle of Khoosh-ab, Persia, Lieutenant Moore charged an infantry square at the head of his regiment, jumping his horse over the bayonets of the enemy, a feat perhaps never accomplished before.  His Charger fell dead, pinning him to the ground.  Extricating him with great difficulty, he attempted to cut his way through the press, but, his sword being broken by the fall, he could barely defend himself and would certainly have been killed but for the prompt assistance of Lieutenant Malcolmson, whose record will be found below.  General Moore was born on September 20^th 1830, entered the Army in 1850, serving in the Persian War 1857, and the Indian Mutiny 1857, being mentioned in despatches in the latter campaign.  Was afterwards through the operations in Central India under Sir Hugh Rose. 

JOHN GRANT MALCOLMSON  (Lieutenant, afterwards Captain)  3^rd Bombay Light Cavalry           At the battle of Khoosh-ab, on February 8^th 1857, Lieutenant Malcolmson, seeing that Lieutenant and Adjutant Moore, V.C. (to whose heroic act we have referred above) was surrounded by a crowd of the enemy and practically unarmed, his sword being broken, cut his way through the mass of fighting Persians, and, giving his stirrup to his brother officer, succeeded in conveying him to a place of safety.  But not his gallant conduct, Lieutenant Moore must have been killed.  The Gazette states that the thoughtfulness for others, cool determination, devoted courage and ready activity shown in a moment of extreme danger by Lieutenant Malcolmson, appear to have been most admirable, rendering him worthy of the higher honour.  Captain Malcolmson, M.V.O., son of the late James Malcolmson, of Muchrach, Inverness-shire, was born in 1835.  Present at the capture of Reshire and surrender of Bushire in the Persian War; through the Indian Mutiny 1857, and took part in the Central India operations, from the siege of Ratghur to the fall of Calpee.  Was, from 1870 one of Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s Gentlemen-at-Arms.  He died on August 14^th 1902.

M. ROSAMOND  (Sergeant Major)  37^th Bengal Native Infantry              On June 4^th 1857, at Benares, Rosamond volunteered with Lieut. –Colonel Spottiswoode, his commanding officer, to set fire to the Sepoy lines so as to drive out the enemy.  He also accompanied Sergeant-Major Gill (V.C.) and Private Kirk (V.C.) when they rescued Captain Brown and his family from their bungalow, which the Sepoys had set on fire.  His conduct was specially noted as “meritorious” and he was promoted.  His Cross-was sold in London on November 25^th 1903 for £54.

THOMAS CADELL  (Lieutenant, now Colonel, I.S.C.)  2^nd Bengal Fusiliers (Late 104^th Foot) The Royal Munster Fusiliers            The flagstaff on the historic “Ridge” at Delhi was often a point of attack by the enemy when they attempted a sortie, as well as by their friends outside in their many efforts to raise the siege.  On June 12^th 1857, a vigorous attack was made, and the pickets of the 75^th and of the Bengal European Fusiliers were forced to retire before overwhelming numbers.  Lieutenant Cadell, seeing a bugler fall severely wounded, went to his assistance and, carrying him from among the enemy under a heavy fire, saved him from certain death.  Again, on the same evening, when his regiment was ordered to retire on Metcalfe’s house, learning that a wounded man of the 75^th was left behind, he immediately went back towards the advancing mutineers, taking with him three men, and brought him in.  This act of devotion he and his men accomplished under a terrible fire of cannon and musketry. Colonel Cadell, V.C., son of the late H. F. Cadell, of Cockenzie, Haddingtonshire, and a younger brother of the late General Sir Robert Cadell, K.C.B., was born on September 5^th 1835.  Educated at Edinburgh Academy; Grange, Sunderland; and abroad.  He held various political appointments in India.  From 1879 to 1892 was Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

JOHN McGOVERN  (Private, afterwards Sergeant)  1^st Bengal Fusiliers (Now Royal Munster Fusiliers, 101^st)            Decorated for his great gallantry during the siege of Delhi, and for saving the life of a wounded comrade ion June 23^rd 1857, by carrying him into camp under a very heavy fire from the enemy’s battery.

WILLIAM GEORGE CUBITT  (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel, D.S.O.)  13^th Bengal Native Infantry            When the Lucknow Residency was on point of being invested, sir Henry Lawrence sent a force to meet and fight the advancing rebels at Chinhut on June 30^th 1857.  The result was a dismal failure, and the beaten troops returned to the Residency with a loss they could ill spare.  At this battle Lieutenant Cubitt was prominently noticed, and, when the retreat to Lucknow began, he saved the lives of three men at imminent risk when the surging mass of fanatics had penetrated among our own disorganized soldiery. Born on October 19^th 1835, son Major W. Cubitt, of the Bengal Army, he was educated privately and entered the Regiment of Native Infantry in 1853.  His first active service was during the Santhal campaign, after which he served through the Mutiny, taking part in the defence of the Residency, the Duffla Expedition of 1875, Afghan War 1880, the Akha Expedition of 1883, and the Burmah War of 1886, for which latter campaign he was awarded the D.S.O.  He died at Camberley on January 25^th 1903 and was buried at Frimley, Surrey.

ROBERT HOPE MONCRIEFF AITKEN  (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel)  13^th Bengal Native Infantry            “For various acts of gallantry performed during the defence of the Residency of Lucknow from June 30^th to November 22^nd 1857.”  So states the London Gazette in its matter of fact round. Although only a few of the gallant acts of bravery and devotion to his country and to his comrades are stated here, those who served under or with Colonel Aitken have in remembrance the invaluable services rendered by him throughout the now historic defence. Twice he sailed out to bring in cattle as food for the beleaguered garrison.  On another occasion, the enemy having set fire to the Bhoosa Stock in the garden, which threatened to spread and ignite the powder magazine, Aitken dashed out, cut down all the tents which might have communicated the flames to the powder, and saved the garrison from fearful danger.  Whilst thus occupied he was under a terrific fire from the enemy’s loopholes and housetops. On August 20^th the mutineers set fire to the Baillie Guard Gate, by placing inflammable material against it.  Aitken was the first to dash out, partially open the gate, and remove the combustibles.  On September 25^th, by a plucky sortie, he, with his native soldiers, attacked and seized two guns to prevent their being turned against General Havelock’s column, which was advancing to their rescue. On the 26^th he led a small party of his regiment to the assault of a barricaded gateway of the Furreed Buksh Palace.  By throwing himself against the gate he was able to prevent it being closed, thus giving time for his men to run to his help and force the door.  The capture of this position was entirely due to his splendid bravery. On the 29^th, during a sortie of the garrison, he volunteered to capture a gun, which harassed our troops by its continuous fire upon them.  With four of his men he worked his way through the lanes and houses, shot at the whole time by the enemy from the surrounding houses, and succeeded in reaching the gun.  Here he and his little party held their ground until reinforced, when the gun was upset from its carriage and taken back by them to the Residency. (Lieutenant Digby-Jones, a relative of Colonel Aitken, greatly distinguished himself during the Boer War of 1899-1902, the Gazette stating that the V.C. would have been awarded to him had he survived, for his heroism at the great attack on the British at Ladysmith, January 6^th 1900. Colonel Aitken became Ensign in 1847; Lieutenant in 1853; Captain on February 18^th 1861; Brevet-Major February 19^th 1861; Major, September 1867; Lieut-Colonel August 1^st 1869.  He was son of Mr. J. Aitken, of Cupar Fife N.B., and was born on April 14^th 1828.  He went to India in 1847 and served with the Honourable Company’s 13^th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry in the Punjab campaign 1848-9.  Present at the action of Ramnugger, at the passage of the Chenab, Battle of Goojerat, and with the column, which, under Major-General Sir Walter Gilbert, pursued the Sikh and Afghan Army.  Medal and clasp.  Served with the 13^th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry in the Santhal Rebellion of 1855.  Present in some skirmishes with the Santhals, and, assisted by Lieutenant Loughnan, 13^th N.I., personally took prisoner Koulea’s, a Santhal chief, for whose captures a reward of Rs 5,000 was offered (reward not paid to captors on the ground that soldiers were not entitled to it).  Served with the 13^th N.I. throughout the Indian Mutiny in 1857-8. Engaged 1^st.  In action against the mutineers in Lucknow Cantonments on May 30^th 1857.

            2^nd.  In battle of Chinahut on June 30^th 1857

            3^rd.  Commanded, throughout the Defence of Lucknow, the whole of the Hondostanee Sepoys of the 13^th Bengal N.I., who remained faithful; and, with them alone, held the Baillie Guard Post stated by Sir John Inglis to be “perhaps the most important position in the whole of the Defences.”

             4^th.  Commanded in two sorties and was present in two others.

            5^th.  Commanded the remains of the 13^th N.I. (both Hindostanees and Sikhs) in the movement of retreat from the Residency on the night of November 22^nd, under General Sir Colin Campbell, G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief. Present (as Paymaster of the Army under General Sir Colin Campbell) in the fighting against the Gwalior contingment in Cawnpore, from November 29^th to December 5^th 1857, and at the defeat of the rebels on December 6^th in the Battle of Cawnpore.  Raised the Cawnpore Levy and commanded it in Futtehpore district in support of the troops engaged under Sir Colin Campbell (Commander-in-=Chief) in the Baiswarah Campaign (Oudh) 1858.  Was Mentioned ten times in the despatches connected with the defence of Lucknow and received the thanks of His Excellency the Governor-General in Council for having “commanded an important position in the Defence with signal courage and success.”  The following are two extracts from the Lucknow siege despatches of Brigadier-General Inglis, commanding the garrison, which bear directly on the services of Lieut. –Colonel Aitken in the command of the 13^th N.I., and of the Baillie Guard Post. First Extract from Despatches: 

            “Lieutenant Aitken, with the whole of the 13^th N.I., which remained to us, with the exception of the Sikhs, commanded the Baillie Guard, perhaps the most important position in the whole of the defences.” 

Second Extract from Despatches: 

            “With respect to the native troops, I am of opinion that their loyalty has never been surpassed.  They were indifferently fed and worse housed.  They were exposed, especially the 13^th Regiment, under the gallant Lieutenant Aitkin, to a most galling fire round shot and musketry, which materially decreased their numbers.  They were so near the enemy that conversation could be carried on between them, and every effort, persuasion, promise, and threat was alternately resorted to in vain, to seduce them from their allegiance to the handful of Europeans who, in all probability, would have been sacrificed by their deserting.”

             The following is a copy of the address which General Sir Hugh Rose, G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief in India, was pleased to make in conferring the decoration of the Victoria Cross on Lieut. –Colonel (then Major) Aitken: -            “The army knows, and history will tell, the stand which the garrison of the Residency made for all the rights which loyal soldiers and good men hold most dear.  “History will tell how, with entrenchments hastily and rudely constructed, commanded from above and mined from below, a few English, badly off for artillery and supplies, and exposed to the worst of India’s seasons, repulsed for five months this incessant attacks of a rebel army which, protected by a treacherous city, besieged and hemmed them in on every side.  “You, Major Aitkin, were conspicuous amongst those who at Lucknow upheld the cause of their country, of humanity, and of civilization. “Not satisfied with a resistance within the Residency, which never yielded an inch, you acted on the offensive and carried the war into the enemy’s camp.  Assisted by only a few faithful Sepoys of the 13^th Native Infantry, who, with pleasure I say it, were as resolute and devoted as British soldiers, you captured on two different occasions enemy’s guns, and on two others fortified houses.   “Of all his duties, there is not one which a commander values more than giving a good soldier his meed.    “You may then judge, sir, with what pleasure I give you the recompense conferred on you by our most Illustrious Sovereign for your brilliant services; and you may judge how that pleasure is enhanced by presenting you the Victoria Cross in the midst of those scenes to which you and your gallant companions-in-arms had imparted a celebrity which can never pass away.” In April 1871, was recommended for the Companionship of the bath by His Excellency Lord Napier, G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and his Excellency the Earl of Mayo, G.C.B., and Governor-General of India. Colonel Aitken died in September 1887.

WILLIAM CONNOLLY  (Gunners)  Bengal Horse Artillery            There have been many acts of heroism recorded in this volume, but few which can surpass the devotion to duty and strength of will exhibited by this gunner.  At Jhelum on July 7^th 1857, Connolly’s troop became engaged with the enemy at short range.  A “sponge man” of one of the guns having been wounded, Connolly took his place, and before he had served many minutes received a bullet through the left thigh, which laid him alongside the gun.  The “retire” was then sounded, but we was helped on to his horse in the gun-team and rode to the next position taken up, refusing to leave his poet though the nature of his wound was pointed out to him.  From the fresh position he manfully sponged out his gun, firing round after round, until a bullet again struck him, this time in the hip, from which he fell to the ground, remaining partly unconscious, the pain being very severe and blood flowing freely from his injured limb.  On Lieutenant Cookes ordering his removal, Connolly reclaimed, “No, sir, I’ll not go there while I can work here,” and staggering to his feet he resumed his duties at the gun.  Later in the day, when the battery were pounding at a village wall, a hail of bullets raining on the devoted crew, Connolly still was serving his gun with a courage excited the admiration of all present, and he called for more ammunition and cheered his men to continue in their heroic task, till he was again struck, the bullet tearing through the muscles of his right leg.  Even then he did not relinquish his post, but served his gun until it had been fired six times more, when from loss of blood, agony from his wounds and exhaustion of body, he fell into the arms of his officer and was carried unconscious from the fight.

WILLIAM ALEXANDER KERR  (Lieutenant)  24^th Bombay Native Infantry            The 27^th Bombay N.I. mutinied in July 1857, and a large body of them made for the stronghold of Kolapore, midway between Belgaum and Satara.  Lieutenant Kerr, then Adjutant of the Southern Mahratta Horse, quickly followed them up for eighty miles.  On reaching the mutineers place of defence, he, on the 9^th, with a few of his men, made a dash at the gate and broke it down.  All within it were killed, wounded or captured, a result due to his heroic dash and bravery.  The mutiny was thus practically at one stroke stamped out on the Malabar Coast.  Had there been more men of calibre at some of the military stations in India at that time, the Mutiny would probably have been checked at its outbreak and might never have assumed such awful proportions in so short a time.

ROSS LOWIS MANGLES  (Assistant-Magistrate at Patna)  Bengal civil Service            Mr. Mangles volunteered and served with the little force sent to the relief of the garrison at Arrah, where fifteen Europeans and fifty of Rattray’s Sikhs were holding out against 4,000 mutineers.  They fell into an ambush on the night of July 29^th 1857, and lost 300 of the 450 men.  A retreat was made next morning under a blazing Indian sun, and a terrible fire from the Sepoys.  At the first attack Mr. Mangles was wounded, but, regardless of that, he assisted the surgeon in his care of the injured, fetching water, when able, in order to alleviate their sufferings. “In the flower of his youth, a man of fine presence, with a long stride and a firm hand on his two-barrel, our men looked to him, as to one who, though without official command, had neutral right to be obeyed.”  He was a magnificent shot, and kept a hot fire from his post upon the enemy, a little knot of men he kept together, handling him loaded muskets.”  During the retreat a soldier of the 37^th had been shot and, as he lay on the ground, implored Mangles not to leave him, well knowing that Death, not in too fast or painless a manner, would be his on the arrival of the mutineers. Under a hail of lead, Mangles turned to the man, bound up his wounds, and, though no food had passed his lips for twenty-four hours, and no sleep had he had for forty-eight, ye he lifted him upon his back and marched away with him.  The man he carried was a big as himself, the ground over which he marched was swampy, rough and dangerous; yet for six long miles did he tramp, only putting down his heavy burden to stand over him while firing at the harassing enemy to keep them in check and enable him to accomplish his act of mercy and of love.  At last he reached the river, into which he plunged, holding up his comrade until he could get him into a boat, under medical care, his life was eventually saved.  His name was Richard Taylor, and this story of as fine an act of English heroism as has ever been recorded, was only brought to light by the surgeon to whom the man recorded his marvellous deliverance.  It was this act, which was instrumental in bringing about the alteration of the V.C. Warrant, as, up to that time, none but military or naval men were eligible for the decoration.  Not until more than a year had passed with the incident just recorded brought to the knowledge of Lord Canning by Sir James Outram, who, on hearing of it, had decided to recommend Mr Mangles for the V.C. Meanwhile, another splendid act had been done by another civilian in Oude, but the decision of the authorities was, in spite of it, against the alteration of the warrant.  The Governor-General thereupon, on receipt of Outram’s letter, wrote to the Home Government, forwarding it for their information and emphatically endorsing its contents, remarking “the modesty which has allowed the event to remain unknown to those in authority until after the lapse of a twelvemonth, is not the least remarkable feature in the story.”  Afterwards the warrant was altered in favour of “Soldier-Civilians,” and no one will regret the withdrawal of so invidious a distinction. Ross Lowis Mangles, born at Calcutta April 14^th 1833, is the son of R. D. Mangles, member of the Bengal Civil Service, and, after his retirement, M.P. for Guildford and a Director of the old East India Company.  Educated at Bath Grammer School and Hailbury College, entering Bengal Civil Service 1853.  In 1857 was Assistant-Magistrate at Patna, accompanying the 45^th (Rattray’s) Sikhs in quelling a disturbance in Patna City, subsequently joining the Arrah Relief Force as described.  Immediately after the retreat Sir Vincent Eyre drove the Sepoys out of Arrah and Behar.  He was then appointed Magistrate in the Chunparun District, North Behar, being engaged there in procuring supplies and carriage for the Ghoorkas under Jung Behadur, who had marched down from Napal to our assistance.  Early in 1858 held the station of Jewan in the Chuprah district until the Sepoys under Koer Singh returned to Behar, upon which, having a guard of a few native police, armed with swords, he escaped from one end of the station as the rebels entered at the other, and, after a ride of forty miles, reached Chuprah in safety.  Held subsequently the appointments of Commissioners of Revenue and Circuit in several districts in Bengal; Judicial Commissioner of Mysore and Coorg in Madras; Secretary to the Government of Bengal and Member of the Board of Revenue, Lower Provinces.  Gazetted to his nobly earned Victoria Cross July 8^th 1859, which he received from the hands of Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle, On January 4^th 1860. 

JAMES BLAIR  (Captain, now Lieut. –General., C.B.)  2^nd Bombay Light Cavalry            During the night of August 12^th 1857, at Neemuch, Captain Blair volunteered to capture seven or eight mutineers who had shut themselves up in a home near at hand.  He burst open the door, and rushed upon them, when, to avoid him, they fled by way of the roof.  In the struggle he was badly wounded, but in spite of this he pursued them, being, however, unable to overtake them owing to the darkness of the night. At Jeerum on October 23^rd 1857, he was literally surrounded by a party of rebels.  In an encounter with one of them, on whose head he broke his sword; he received a terrible cut on the arm.  Fighting his way through them he rejoined his men, where he at once, wounded as he was, placed himself at the head of the troop and with no other weapon than the hilt of his broken sword, pursued the enemy for miles, completely routing them. General Blair was born on January 27^th 1828.  Entered the Army in 1844; became Captain 1857; Colonel 1873, and attained his present rank in 1894. 

CHARLES JOHN STANLEY GOUGH  (Major, now General, G.C.B.)  5^th Bengal European Cavalry            Sir Charles Gough, one of two brothers who have been awarded the Victoria Cross, was decorated for bravery on four different occasions. On August 15^th 1857, he saved the life of his brother, Sir Hugh Gough (V.C.), killing two of his assailants.  On August 18^th 1857, he led a troop of the Guide Cavalry in a charge against the enemy, cutting down and killing two Sowars. On January 27^th 1858, at Shumsabad he attacked the leader of the enemy’s cavalry, and ran him through with his sword, which, however was carried out of his hand in the melee.  He then defended himself with his revolver and shot two of the enemy. On February 23^rd 1858, at Meangunge, seeing Brevet-Major O. H. St. George Anson in great danger, he dashed to his assistance killed his opponent, and immediately afterwards cut down another of the enemy in a similarly gallant manner. Born in 1832, Sir Charles Gough entered the Bengal Cavalry in 1848.  Served in the Punjab Campaign 1848-9; throughout the Mutiny, 1857-8; the Bhootan War 1864-5; and both Afghan Wars, 1878-9 and 1879-80.  In 1881 was Commandant of the Hyderbad Contingent, and from 1886-90 commanded a division of the Bengal Army. His son, Major J. E. Gough, was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in Somaliland, on April 22^nd 1903.  Thus three members of one family hold the decoration.

DUNCAN CHARLES HOME  (Lieutenant)  Bengal Engineers 

PHILIP SALKELD  (Lieutenant)  Bengal Engineers 

JOHN SMITH  (Sergeant)  Bengal Sappers and Miners

 ROBERT HAWTHORNE  (Bugler)  52^nd Regiment            No more magnificent example of heroism has ever been added to the glorious deeds of British soldiers than that of the four men Home, Salkfeld, Smith and Hawthorne, who, on September 14^th 1857, blew up the Cashmere Gate at Delhi, prior to the great assault on that city in the Indian Mutiny.  The account written by Sergeant John Smith gives so vivid a description of the heroic actions of all concerned that it has been set out here almost word for word as given in Kaye’s Sepoy War.  Lieutenant Salkeld, as will be seen, never survived his wounds to receive the Victoria Cross, and Lieutenant Home only escaped the frightful perils of the 14^th September to die on October 1^st following, from the effects of the premature explosion of a mine after the capture of the fort of Malgurgh.  All having been prepared, the slow match was lighted, but as no explosion followed in the ordinary time, Lieutenant Home went forward to re-light the match, which he supposed had gone out.  At that instant the explosion occurred.  His death was extraordinary similar to that of Lieutenant Dundas, V.C., reference to whom will be found in this volume.  Sergeant John Smith’s account- “The party blowing in the gate, the 60^th Rifles leading, went off at a double from the Ludlow Castle, until they arrived at the cross-road leading to the Customs, and the men, when they opened out right and left, the Sappers going to the gate led by Lieutenant Home, and one bugler (Hawthorne), Lieutenant Salkeld, with the party carrying the powder a few paces behind, the three European non-commissioned officers, and nine natives with twelve bags of twenty-five pounds each.  My duty was to bring up the rear, and see that none of them remained behind.  Lieutenant Salkeld had passed through the temporary Burn Gate with sergeants Carmichael and Burhgess, but four of the natives had stopped behind the above gate and refused to go on.  I had put down my bag and taken my gun, and threatened to shoot them, when Lieutenant Salkeld came running back and said, ‘Why the- don’t you come on?’ I told him there were four men behind the gate, and that I was going to shoot them.  He said; Shoot them d----n their eyes, shoot them!’  I said ‘You hear the orders, and I will shoot you,’ raising the gun slowly to ‘present’ to give fair time, when two men went on.  Lieutenant Salkeld said, ‘Do not shoot; with your own bag it will be enough.’  I went on, and only Lieutenant Salkeld and Sergeant Burgess were there; Lieutenant Home and the bugler had jumped into the ditch, and Sergeant Carmichael was killed as he went up with his powder on his shoulder, evidently having been shot from the wicket while crossing the broken part of the bridge along one of the beams.  I placed my bag, and then at great risk reached Carmichael’s bag from in front of the wicket, placed it, arranged the fuses for the explosion, and reported all ready to Lieutenant Salkfield, who held the slow (not a port-fire, as I have seen stated).  In stooping down to light the quick match, he put out his foot, and was shot through the thigh from the wicket, and in falling had the presence of mind to hold out the slow match, and told me to fire the charge.  Burgess was next time and took it.  I told him to fire the charge and keep cool.  He turned round and said, ‘It won’t go off, sir; it has gone out, sir (not knowing that one officer had fallen into the ditch).  I gave him a box of lucifers, and, as he took them, he let them fall into my hand, he being shot through the body from the wicket also, and fell over after Lieutenant Salkeld.  I was then left alone, and keeping close to the charge, seeing from where the others where shot, I struck a light, when the port fire in the fuse went off in my face, the light not having gone out as we thought.  I took up my gun and jumped into the ditch, but before I had reached the ground the charge went off, and filled the ditch with smoke, so that I saw no one.  I turned while in the act of jumping so my back would come to the wall to save me from falling.  I stuck close to the wall, and by that I escaped being smashed to pieces, only getting a severe bruise on the leg, the leather helmet saving my head.         “I put my hands along the wall and touched some one, and asked who it was.  ‘Lieutenant Home,’ was the answer.  I said, ‘Has God spared you? Are you hurt?’  He said ‘No’ and asked the same from me.  As soon as the dust cleared a little we saw Lieutenant Salkeld and Burgess covered with dust; their lying in the middle of the ditch had saved them from being smashed to pieces and covered by the debris from the top of the wall, the shock only toppling the stones over, which fell between where we stood and where they lay.  I went to Lieutenant Salkeld and called the bugler to help me to remove him under the bridge as the fire covered upon us, and Lieutenant Salkeld’s arms were broken.  Lieutenant Home came to assist, but I begged him to keep out of the fire and that (sic) we would do all that could be done.  Lieutenant Salkeld would not let us remove him, so I put a bag of powder under his head for a pillow, and with the bugler’s puggery bound up his arms and thigh, and I left the bugler to look to him and went to Burgess, took off his sword, which I put on, and done (sic) what I could for him.  I got some brandy from Lieutenant Home and gave to both, also to a Havildar (Pelluck Singh), who had his thigh shot through, and was under the bridge by a ladder that had been put into the ditch, leaving me in charge of the wounded, and went to the front after the Rifles had gone in, and the 52^nd followed them. “I then went to the rear for three stretchers and brought them, one of which was taken from me an officer of the Rifles.  I had to draw my sword and threaten to run any one through who took the other two.  I put them into the ditch, and with the bugler’s assistance got Lieutenant Salkeld into one and sent him, charging him strictly not to leave him until he had placed him in the hands of a surgeon, and with the assistance of a Naick who had come to the Havildar, got Burgess into one and sent the Naick with him, I being scarcely able to walk, and in a few minutes he returned to say he was dead, and asked for further orders.  I told him to take him to the hospital.  After assisting to clear away the gate and make the roadway again, I went on to the front to see what was going on.”

M. RYAN  (Drummer)  1^st European Bengal Fusiliers            This soldier was associated with Jogn McGuire (V.C.) on September 14^th 1857, when he threw the boxes of ammunition, which had caught fire into the water, thereby saving the lives of many men.  Further details of this noble act are given in the record of McGuire. 

EVERARD ALOYSIUS LISLE PHILLIPPS  (Ensign)  11^th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry            For the many gallant acts performed by him during the siege of Delhi, it was intended to recommend this young officer for the Victoria Cross, but during the street fighting in the city on September 18^th 1857, he met his death.  He was specially noticed for his bravery in capturing, with only a small handful of men, the Water Bastion of Delhi. 

ROBERT HAYDON SHEBBEARE  (Brevet-Captain)  60^th Bengal Native Infantry             On September 14^th 1857, at the assault on Delhi, Captain (then Lieutenant) Shebbeare, at the head of the guides, twice charged a loop holed serai to enable the breach to be attained, but, owing to the terrible fire, he was unable to accomplish his task, one third of his European soldiers having fallen.  For this reason he was prevented from reorganizing his men for another attempt, but he conducted the rearguard of the retreat most successfully across the canal.  His immunity from death is noted as miraculous, although he received one bullet through the check and a very severe scalp wound along the back of the head.  This gallant officer was killed in the China War of 1860. 

PATRICK MAHONEY  (Sergeant)  1^st Madras Fusiliers            On September 21^st 1857, at Mungulwarm the 1^st Regiment of Native Infantry had mutinied, and Mahoney, when doing duty with the volunteer cavalry, was most prominent in capturing the regimental colour of the mutineers.

WILLIAM OLPHERTS  (Captain, afterwards General, G.C.B.)  Bengal Artillery            Although the conduct of Captain Olpherts was brought to notice continually during the severe fighting which took place during the march to Lucknow under Outram and Havelock, he was especially prominent on September 25^th 1857, when the force penetrated into the city itself.  He charged on horseback with the 90^th Regiment, led by Colonel Campbell, and, in the face of a heavy fire of grape-shot, captured two Sepoy guns, after which he again braved the storm of lead to bring up horses and limbers to carry off the captured ordnance. The heroic manner in which Olpherts served the guns of his battery during Havelock’s advance to the Residency has been mentioned too often in chronicles of the Mutiny to allow it to be related here, but the characteristic sobriquet of “Hell Fire Olpherts” which he earned in the Army tells sufficiently its own story. Sir William, son of Wm, Olpherts, of Dartrey, Co, Armagh, was born on March 8^th 1822, and educated at Gracehill and Dungannon Schools, and Addiscombe Military College.  Entered Bengal Artillery June 11^th 1839; became Captain 1853; Brevet-Major and Lieut. –Colonel 1858; Colonel 1872; and General March 31^st 1883.  Served through Gwalior and Sinde campaigns under Sir Hugh (Lord) Gough and Sir C. Napier respectively; and in the Peshawar Valley under Sir Colin Campbell 1852.  On outbreak of Russian War was employed on special service with Sir Fenwick Williams at Kars and Erzeroun in Armenia. In 1859 accompanied the expedition against Wazarees as volunteer under Sir N. Chamberlain.  On his return in 1868 was presented with a sword of honour by the County and City of Armagh.  He died at Norwood on April 30^th 1902, his body escorted to the cemetery by a detachment of the Royal Horse Artillery.  During the service the rain poured in such torrents and with such ferocity that, as a writer expressed it afterwards, “it seemed as if the very elements were rehearsing the battle scenes of the life that had ceased.”

THOMAS DUFFY  (Private)  1^st Madras Fusiliers            Specially mentioned by Sir James Outram for his cool intrepidity and daring conduct, whereby a 24-pounder gun was prevented from being captured by the Sepoys, on September 26^th 1857, at Lucknow.  Thomas Duffy died some years ago, and his Victoria Cross was sold in London on October 28^th 1902 for £53.

J. THOMAS  (Bombardier)  4^th Company 1^st Battalion Bengal Artillery             On September 27^th 1857, the party to which Thomas belonged was returning from a sortie and one of his comrades fell severely wounded.  He took the injured man on his back and carried him a long distance, under a very heavy fire and in circumstances of considerable difficulty, to prevent him from falling into the hands of the Sepoys, who would otherwise have despatched him by their own slow methods of torture.

BERNARD DIAMOND  (Sergeant)  Bengal Horse Artillery         Major Turner, Bengal Horse Artillery, mentioned the gallantry of this soldier in his despatch of October 2^nd 1857.  At Boolundshuhur, on September 28^th 1857, he was conspicuous for his determined bravery in working a gun in company with Richard Fitzgerald (V.C.) after every other man and been killed or wounded who belonged to it.  By the devoted conduct of these two men the road was completely cleared of the enemy. 

RICHARD FITZGERALD  (Gunner)  Bengal horse Artillery            Associated with Sergeant Diamond (V.C.), in an act of determined bravery at Boolundshuhur, September 28^th 1857, as recorded in the sketch of that soldier.

JOHN CHARLES CAMPBELL DAUNT  (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut, -Colonel)  11^th (Late 70^th) Bengal Native Infantry            Decorated for conspicuous courage at Chota Behar, on October 2^nd 1857, when in action against the mutineers of the Ramgurgh Battalion.  One-third of the detachment had been mown down by grapeshot from two guns, when Daunt, in company with Dennis Dynon (V.C.), charged at the gunners, shot them down and captured both pieces. Lieutenant Daunt was also specially mentioned for his gallantry on November 2^nd 1857, when he pursued the mutineers of the 32^nd Bengal Native Infantry.  Driving them across a plain into a thick cultivation, he, with a small party of Rattray’s Sikhs, followed and attacked them , being himself dangerously wounded in the struggle.  The mutineers greatly outnumbered Daunt’s little force, and the ultimate preservation of nay of the Sikhs was due to his courageous conduct and skilful leading.

DIGHTON MACNAGHTEN PROBYN  (Captain, now General, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.S.I., P.C.)  2^nd Punjaub Cavalry            General Sir Hope Grant, K.C.B., in his despatch dated January 10^th 1858, says of Captain Probyn: “Has been distinguished for gallantry and daring throughout the campaign.”  During the charge of his squadron upon the rebel infantry at the battle of Agra he became separated from his men and surrounded by five or six Sepoys, who attacked him, but he defended himself from the many cuts made at him, and by the time his men had joined him had killed two of his assailants. At another time, in fighting with a Sepoy, his horse was wounded, and he received a severe cut on the wrist from the bayonet, but after a desperate encounter he cut him down.  Later on in the same day he singled out a standard-bearer, and, in face of a number of the enemy, killed him and captured the colours. These are only a few of the many gallant deeds recorded of this brave officer. General Probyn, born January 21^st 1833, son of the late Captain G. Probyn, entered the Army in 1849.  His active services include, apart from the Mutiny, the fighting on the Trans-Indian Frontier1852-7, China 1860, and Umbeyla Campaign 1863. Has been Comptroller of the Royal Household, Keeper of the Privy Purse, Member of the council of the Duchy of Cornwall, and also of Lancaster.  Equerry at present to H.M. the King.  He became Captain in 1857; Major 1858; Lieut. –Colonel 1861; Colonel 1866; Major General 1870; Lieut. –General 1877; and attained his present rank in 1888.  Was at Delhi the siege, and fought at the actions of Boolundshuhur, Allyghur and Agra, being four times mentioned in despatches; also at the battle of Kanouje, and the relief of Lucknow under Sir Colin Campbell.  Received the thanks of the Governor-General (Lord Canning), and was twice mentioned in despatches.  Fought at the battles of Cawnpore and Kalle Nuddee, and the storming of Lucknow in March 1858. 

JAMES MILLER  (Conductor, afterwards Hon. Major)  Ordnance Department, Bengal          On October 28^th 1857, Miller was employed with heavy howitzers and ordnance stores, and attached to a detachment under the command of Colonel Cotton, C.B.  The rebels had taken up their position in the serai at Futtehpore Sekra, near Agra, and, in the attack upon them, Lieutenant Glubb, of the late 38^th Bengal Native Infantry, was severely wounded.  Miller went to his assistance, and at great personal risk, carried him out of action.  He was himself subsequently wounded and sent to Agra. 

JOHN WATSON  (Lieutenant, now General, G.C.B.)  1^st Punjab Cavalry            On November 14^th 1857, Lieutenant Watson, with his own squadron, came across a body of the enemy’s cavalry.  The Ressaldar in command rode out at once to the front, and was singled out by him.  As they approached one another the rebel lashed at him at only a yard’s distance, but without effect.  (The bullet, it is believed, had previously fallen out.  In those days the pistols were muzzleloaders.)  A hand-to-hand struggle took place, and the Ressaldar, run through the body by Lieutenant Watson, was dismounted, but nothing daunted, drew his tulwar, and with the help of his men, returned to the attack.  Our cavalry just then coming up, the enemy were routed, losing a number killed.  Lieutenant Watson had received a blow on the head from a tulwar, another on the left arm, severing the chain gauntlet-glove, another on the right arm, dividing the sleeve of his jacket, and a blow on the leg, which lamed him for some days.  He also received a bullet through hid coat. Sir John Watson was born in 1829, entering the Bombay Army 1848.  Served in the Punjab 1848-9; Bozdar 1857; through the Mutiny as above; and the Afghan War 1879-80.  From 1881 to 1888 was Governor General’s Agent at Baroda.

HASTINGS EDWARD HARRINGTON  (Lieutenant)  Bengal Artillery            For his conspicuous bravery at the relief of Lucknow from November 14^th to 22^nd 1857, this officer was elected to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Warrant. The late Colonel F.C. Maude, V.C., in his Memoirs of the Mutiny, gives the following details of the career of Hastings Harrington, V.C., as an illustration of the temper of the times (1857)-  He (Harrington) was at Oxford pursuing his studies.  The Crimean War Came.  Studies seemed derogatory at such crisis, and he volunteered for service; but the authorities would only allow him to go out in the transport.  He went out and worked hard at Kertch and other places, coming home through Hungary, and landed at Dover with six pence in his pocket.  Bought rolls, drank water, slept under a haystack, and reached at last the old parsonage where he had been born.  Then he returned to Oxford, and took a “second” which, considering all interruptions was very fair.  But the charms of adventure had been tasted, and the quiet academicals career seemed impossible.  He must go somewhere.  “To India,” said O’Shaughnessy, “in my telegraph service, the finest service in the world.”  (This expression was, in a measure, hyperbolical.)  So in the telegraph he came, arriving at Agra in the cold weather, and, taking his sword off the roof of the dak carriage, exclaimed, “My old Crimean sword-I shall not want that again.”  However, the summer found him in the Volunteer Cavalry-only too glad to have it still in his possession.  He died at Agra on July 20^th 1861.       

EDWARD JENNINGS  (Rough Rider)  Royal (Bengal) Artillery             Edward Jennings was one of those engaged at the second relief of Lucknow, under Sir Colin Campbell, in November 1857.  During the struggle, day and night, from the capture of the Secundra Bagh on the 16^th until the actual accomplishment of the heroic enterprise on the 22^nd, Jennings bravery in working the guns was noticed by all, and especially by the Commander-in-Chief himself, who, although wounded, had scarcely quitted the saddle the whole time.  With him are associated Lieutenant H. E. Harrington, Gunners J. Park, T. Laughnan, and H. McInnes, all the whom, under Clause 13 of the Royal Warrant, were elected by their comrades, and in due course (Christmas Eve 1858) were gazetted.  Jennings survived his comrades by many years, working to the last as a corporation street labourer at Shields, and died a few years ago aged 74. 

T. LAUGHNAN  (Gunner)  Bengal Artillery            Elected under Rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant, for conspicuous bravery during the relief of Lucknow from November 14^th to 22^nd 1857. 

H. McINNES  (Gunner)  Bengal Artillery               Elected under Rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant, for conspicuous bravery during the relief of Lucknow from November 14^th to 22^nd 1857. 

J. PARK  (Gunner)  Bengal Artillery             Elected under Rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant, for his conspicuous bravery during the relief of Lucknow from November 14^th to 22^nd 1857.

J. SMITH  (Private)  1^st Madras Fusiliers             This gallant soldier was elected to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Warrant by the soldiers of the detachment of his regiment.  His bravery was most marked at the storming of the Secundra Bagh, November 16^th 1857.  When the gateway on the north side had been burst open, he was of the first to enter, being instantly surrounded by a mass of the enemy, from whom he received a sword cut on the head, a bayonet wound in the left side, and a blow from the butt-end of a musket on the right shoulder.  In spite of all those wounds he gallantly held out and for the rest of the day continued fighting most splendidly.

FREDERICK SLEIGH ROBERTS(Lieutenant, now Field-Marshal Earl Roberts of Kandahar, Pretoria and Waterford, P.C., K.P., G.C.B., O.M., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., D.C.L.,LL.D)  Commander-in-Chief  Bengal Artillery             The Victoria Cross was awarded to this officer, now the best-known soldier throughout the British Empire, for two special acts of bravery and devotion during the Indian Mutiny, and for conspicuous gallantry throughout the entire operations of that troubles time.  He received the decoration from the hands of H.M. the Queen at Buckingham Palace on June 8^th 1859.  At Khodagunge on January 2^nd 1858, while following up the retreating enemy, he saw two Sepoys escaping with a standard.  Riding straight for them, he overtook them as they were entering a village.  Both men turned and faced him, but Roberts dashed at them, and, while wrenching the standard from the hands of one of them, whom he had cut down, the other levelled his musket point-blank at him and pulled the trigger, but fortunately it missed fire, and Roberts rode off with the standard.  On the same day he went to the rescue of a Sowar, who was being attacked by a rebel armed with a bayonet.  Riding up to them, he engaged the Sepoy, parried a blow aimed at him, and cut his assailant a terrific blow across the face with his sword, killing him instantly. Earl Roberts, son of General Sir Abraham Roberts, was born at Cawnpore India, on September 30^th 1832.  Educated at Eton, Sandhurst and Addiscombe, he obtained his 2^nd Lieutenancy in the Bengal Artillery in 1851, becoming 1^st Lieutenant 1857; Captain 1860; Brevet-Major 1860; Brevet Lieut. –Colonel 1868; Brevet-Colonel 1875; Major-General 1878; Lieut-General, 1883; General 1890; Field-Marshal 1895.  His war records number more battles than any other soldier, and his services to his country are too numerous to mention in these pages.  He served through, the Indian Mutiny, and took part in the siege and capture of Delhi, and the actions of Boolundshuhur, Aligarh, Agra, Kanauj, Bantharra, relief of Lucknow, Cawnpore Khodagunge, Futtehghur, storming of Mianganj, siege of Lucknow, storming of Laloo; capture of Umbeyla; destruction of Malka.  Served in Abyssinian Expedition, 1867-8; Lushai Expedition 1871-2; capture of Kholelvillages and attack on Murtland Range.  In command of the Kuram Valley Field Force, at capture of Peiwar Kotal; attack in sapari Pass; occupation of khost, and reconnaissance up Kuram River.  Commander Kabul Field Force at battle of Charasiahm, capture of Kabul, and operations near Sherpur in December 1879.  Commanded the Field force, which marched to the relief of Kandahar, and fought the battle of that name.  In command of the army in Burma 1886.  In December 1889, went out to South Africa as Commander-in-chief; relieved Limberley, and on the nineteenth anniversary of “Majuba” ttok Cronje and the Boer army in the west prisoners. Has been twice thanked off both Houses of Parliament, August 4^th 1879, and May 5^th 1881, and on several occasions by the Indian Government; D.A.Q.M.G. during Indian Mutiny; A.Q.M.G. (Bengal) 1863-8; 1^st A.Q.M.G., 1869-72; D.Q.M.G., 1872-5; Q.M.G. in India 1875-8.  Commander-in-Chief, Madras, 1881-5; India, 1885-93; of the Forces in Ireland 1895.  Up to the year 1879 had been twenty-three times mentioned in despatches, and possesses the following medals; Indian Mutiny clasps for Delhi, Relief of Lucknow, Siege of Lucknow.  Indian Frontier medal with clasps for Umbeyla, Lushai and Burma; Abyssinia; Afghan War, with clasps for Peiwar Kotal, Charasia, Kabul, and Kandahar; Kabul-Kandahar bronze star; Queen;s South African with six clasps.  Received the following honorary degrees: D.C.L., Oxford 1881, LL.D., Dublin 1880l LL.D, Cambridge 1893; LL.D, Edinburgh 1893.  Has received the freedom of the following cities: London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Dundee, Waterford, Cardiff, chesterfield, Inverness, Wick and Dunbar. Lieutenant Hon. F.H.S. Roberts, son of the Commander-in-chef, was recommended for, and would have received, the Victoria Cross for his heroic attempts to save the guns at Colenso in 1899 had he survived the wounds received on that occasion. Earl Roberts retired in February 1904, and the following appeared in the Times of February 19^th

JOHN ADAM TYTLER  (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel, C.B.)  66^th (Ghoorka) Bengal Native Infantry            Decorated for his conspicuous courage on February 10^th 1858, on the occasion of the action at Choorpoorah.  The attacking parties were approaching the enemy’s position under a heavy fire of round-shot, grape and musketry, when Lieutenant Tytler dashed, ahead of his men, straight for the guns and engaged the rebels in a hand-to-hand fight until support came up. He was shot through the left arm, received a spear-wound in the chest, and a bullet through the right sleeve of his coat. Colonel Tytler became Ensign in the East India Company’s service on Dec 10^th 1844; Captain, April 1859, Major 1864; and Colonel 1870.  Serbed against the tribesmen round Peshawur 1851-3.  In 1863 commanded a ghoorka battalion in the Black Mountain Expedition.

FREDERICK ROBERTSON AIKMAN  (Lieutenant- afterwards Lieut. –Colonel)  4^th Bengal Native Infantry              At daybreak on March 1^st 1858, near Lucknow, Lieutenant Aikman obtained information that 500 rebel cavalry, 200 horse and two guns under Moosahib Ali Chuckbdar, were three miles off the high road.  With only 100 of his men he attacked them without hesitation, utterly routed them, killed 100 of them, captured the guns, and drove the survivors into and over the river Goomtee.  This splendid feat was accomplished under the great disadvantage of broken ground, and under the heavy flanking fire of an adjacent fort.  During the encounter Lieutenant Aikman received a severe sabre-cut across the face.          Colonel Aikman was Commandant for many years of the Royal East Middlesex Militia, and had been a member of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms from May 13^th 1865.  On October 6^th 1888, he dropped dead while attending a ball in Scotland.

THOMAS ADAIR BUTLER  (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel)  1^st Bengal Fusiliers (Late 101^st)             On March 9^th 1858, during the capture of Lucknow, the heavy guns were being placed in position when Major Lothair Nicholson, Outram’s Commanding Engineer, thought that he saw the enemy’s first line being abandoned, but could not be quite sure.  It was most necessary to ascertain for certain whether this was the case, as the infantry of Hope’s brigade, which had attacked and driven the rebels out of the Martiniere, could have seen preparing to assault the works at the other side of the river.  Lieutenant Butler volunteered to swim across the Goomtee River, and, if he found the enemy had retired, communicate the fact of Hope’s men. This fact was successfully accomplished by the brave young officer, who, swimming across, mounted a parapet, and, until the completion of his dangerous task, was exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy’s guns. Fitchett relates an extraordinary incident, which happened to Lieutenant Butler at the storming of Delhi on September 14^th 1857, at the Burn Bastion.  While some of our men were fighting up a narrow lane where the fire of the enemy, concentrated on so narrow a space, was perfectly murderous, we were compelled to retire for a while, but some refused to do so and actually reached the screen through which the Sepoys were firing their guns.  One of these was Olieutenant Butler, of the 1^st Bengal Fusiliers.  As he came at the run through the white smoke he struck the screen heavily with his body; at that moment two sepoys on the inner side thrust through the screen with their bayonets.  The shining deadly points of steel passed on either of Butler’s body and he was pinned between them as between the prongs of a fork!  Butlwe, twisting his head he saw through a loop hole the faces of the two Sepoys, who held the bayonets and who were still vehemently pushing, under the belief that they held their enemy impaled.  With his revolver he coolly shot them both, and then fell back, pelted with bullets, but somehow unhurt, to his comrades who were re-forming for a second charge at the head of the lane.  Colonel Thomas Adair Butler, born in 1836, was the son of the Rev. Stephen Butler.  Educated privately, joining the Army in 1854.  Served through the Great Mutiny from June 10^th 1857; in all the engagements under the walls of Delhi; galloper to Brigadier-General Nicholson at the action of Nujjufguhr and took paer in the storming of the Mogul capital, being wounded in that action; took part in the actions of Gungeree, Puttialee, and Mynpoorie, and was present at the storming of Lucknow, where he gained the Victoria Cross as described; served in the North-West Frontier Campaign 1863; present at the attack on the Craig Picket, Conical Hill and Umbeyla.  He died at Lyndale, Camberley, in November 1901. 

RICHARD HARTE KEATINGE  (Major, afterwards General, C.S.I.)  Royal (Bombay) Artillery             Major Keatinge rendered most efficient aid at the assault and capture of the stronghold of Chandairee on March 17^th 1858.  Placing himself at the head of the column, he led it through the breach, which was protected by a heavy crossfire, and was first to enter, where he fell severely wounded.  He had been, the night before, with his servant to examine a small path leading across the ditch, and his knowledge of this saved the column from dreadful loss.  Having cleared the breach, he struggled up and led his men into the fort, where he was again struck down by another bullet. The Commander-in-chief (Sir Colin Campbell) states, “that the success at Chandairee was mainly owing to this officer, whose gallantry, really brilliant, he considers was equalled by his ability and devotion.”  Major Keatinge was at the time Political Officer with a Brigade of the Central India Field Force. General Keatinge, son of the late Right Honourable Richard Keatine, was born at Dublin on June 17^th 1825.  After the Mutiny he served in the Sathpoora Hills in 1858 and again in 1859, and with Parke’s Brigade in pursuit of Tantia Topee in 1858.  Commanded Field Detachments against the Wagheers in 1865.  Died at Horsham May 25^th 1904. 

WILLIAM MARTIN CAFÉ  (Captain, now Lieut. –General)  56^th Bengal Native Infantry             At the fort of Ruhya on April 15^th 1858, Lieutenant Willoughby, of the 14^th Punjab Rifles, was sot down as he was capturing a position.  Captain Café, under a heavy fire, went out and brought back his body, being assisted by four men of the 42^nd-Lance-Coporal Thompson (V.C.), Private Cook (V.C.), E. Spence (V.C), and Crowie.  While doing so Spence was mortally wounded, and Captain Café immediately ran to his assistance, leaving the others to carry his comrade’s body.  Spence died of his wounds on the 17^th.  Crowie’s name does not appear among those gazetted to the Cross-, owing most probably to his early death. General Café was born on March 23^rd 1826.

HARRY HAMMON LYSTER  (Lieutenant, Now Lieut. –General, C.B.)  72^nd Bengal Native Infantry             On May 23^rd 1858, this officer charged singly at, and broke, a skirmishing square of the rebel army near Calpee, and killed two or three mutineers with his own hand.  This gallant act was witnessed and reported upon by Major-General Sir Hugh Rose, G.C.B., and Lieutenant-Colonel Gall, C.B., of the 14^th Light Dragoons.        Lieutenant-General Lyster, son of Mr A Lyster, was born on December 24^th 1830.  Served through the Indian Mutiny 1857-8; Afghan Campaign 1878-9; and during the Chartist Riots of 1847 served as a special constable in London. He entered the Army in 1848; became Captain in 1861, Lieut. -Colonel 1870; Colonel 1877, Major General 1887, and attained his present rank in 1891, retiring in 1892.

WILLIAM FRANCIS FREDERICK WALLER  (Lieutenant)  25^th Bombay Light Infantry                  Decorated for his conspicuous daring at the capture of the Gwalior Fortress June 20^th 1858, when in company with Lieutenant Rose, who was killed, he attacked it with only a handful of men.  Climbing on the roof of a house, he shot the gunners opposing him or her, captured the Fort, and killed every mutineer in it.  He and Lieutenant Rose were the only Europeans present. Born in 1840, he died on January 29^th 1885. 

SAMUEL JAMES BROWN  (Captain, afterwards General, G.C.B., K.C.S.I.)  46^th Bengal Native Infantry            In an engagement with the rebels, under Khan Ali Khan, at daybreak on August 31^st 1858, at Seerporah, Captain Browne charged ahead with only a native orderly, at a 9-pounder gun, placed to command the approach to the enemy’s well-chosen position, to prevent it being re-loaded and fired upon our men who were coming on with the bayonet.  A fight between the officer and gunners ensured, in which, after cutting down several of them, he was slashed across the left knee, afterwards receiving another sword-stroke, which severed the left arm at the shoulder.  His chivalrous object was, however, fulfilled, the gun being captured by the infantry, and the gunners slain. General Sir Samuel Browne, son of the late J. Browne, H.E.I.C.S., was born in India October 3^rd 1824.  Served in Punjab campaign 1848-9, being present at Chillianwallah and Goojerat; in operations against the Oomerzale Wuzerees 1851-2; through the Bozdar Balooch Expedition in March 1857; in many other tribal campaigns, including the attacks on Narinjee and August 1857, commanded the 1^st Division Peshawur Field Force at the capture of Ali Musjid; the forcing of the Khyber Pass, November 1878, and throughout the Afghan War 1878-9 for which he received the thanks of the Government and both Houses of Parliament, and the K.C.B.  For nineteen years (1850-69) was in command of the Punjah Cavalry and Corps of Guides on the Derejat and Peshawur Frontier.  Inventor of the “Sam Browne” belt, known throughout the British Army. He died at Ryde, March 14^th 1901. Not long after the death of this gallant officer, one of the makers and upholders of our Indian Empire, a tablet and monument was unveiled in St. Paul’s Cathedral by one of his fellow officers-Earl Roberts of Khandahar; and four of his contemporaries, wearing the Victoria Cross, were present to do honour to his memory.  No greater tribute could have been paid to the splendid soldier whose days were done, than to have a monument to his memory placed at it was, close to the great Iron Duke of Wellington, and unveiled by the most illustrious, brave and popular soldier of modern times.  The memorial is of pure white marble, carved in low relief, with a figure of a Punjab Cavalry man holding a scroll on which is the words-  “To the Glory of God and in perpetual memory of General Sir Samuel Browne, V.C., G.C.B., K.C.S.I., a distinguished soldier of the Indian Army.  This tablet is erected by friends who loved, and comrades who trusted him.”  A replica of this memorial will be set up in the Cathedral of Lahore, India.  Speaking on the above occasion, Earl Roberts said that there never was “a truer man, a firmer friend, a braver soldier, or one more worthy of a memorial in that venerable cathedral than Sir Samuel Browne.” 

PATRICK RODDY  (Ensign, afterwards Colonel)  Bengal Army             On September 27^th 1858, when the Kuppurthulla Contingent were returning from Kuthirga, a rebel, armed with a percussion-musket, knelt and levelled it at any who attempted to approach him.  This did not deter Ensign Roddy, who rode boldly at him.  When within six yards the rebel fired, killing the horse.  While he was trying to get himself free, the rebel attempted to cut him down.  However, Roddy seized and held him until able to get at his sword, when he ran him through the body. Colonel Patrick Roddy rose from the ranks to the position he held at his death.  He enlisted in the Bengal Artillery and received a commissioner as Ensign.  During the Indian Mutiny he served under Sir James Outram at the “first” relief of Lucknow, the siege of the Bailly Guard, the defence of the Alumbagh, capture of Lucknow, and in almost every subsequent engagement until the rebels were pressed on the Oude Frontier in 1860.  He was frequently mentioned in despatches, and received the thanks of the Indian Government.  His later services were in the Abyssinian War 1873, and Afghan War 1879.  Services were in the Abyssinian War 1873, and Afghan War 1879. He retired in 1887, after having been thirty-nine years in the Bengal Service, and died at Jersey on November 21^st 1895. 

CHARLES GEORGE BAKER  (Lieutenant)  Bengal Police Battalion             The act of charging, with only sixty horseman, and scattering a force of 1,000 infantry-fully armed and backed up by troop of cavalry-as Lieutenant Baker did on September 27^th 1858, at Suhejnee, near Peroo, may well be described, as it was by Lord Clyde, “the most gallant of any during the war.”  Not a shot was fired by Lieutenant Baker’s mounted Police in their charge upon the enemy, who were taken in the centre and flank by Lieutenant Broughton.  A half-hearted stand was made, and a few scattered volleys fired, after which they broke and fled, pursued for miles through the jungle.  The horses, however, being exhausted, many of the rebels escaped.  Lieutenant Baker was for many years in command of the Egyptian Police, and held the rank of Pasha in that country. 

HANSON CHAMBERS TAYLOR JARRETT  (Lieutenant, afterwards colonel)  26^th Bengal Native Infantry             On October 14^th 1858, at the village of Baroun, near Lucknow, a party of Sepoys-seventy in number-had fortified themselves in a strong brick building, the only approach to which was through a very narrow street, commanded by the enemy’s fire.  Lieutenant Jarrett called on the men of his regiment to follow him, and four responded.  With only these he made a dash for the entrance, and through a shower of bullets pushed his way up to the walls.  Beating up the bayonets of the rebels with his sword, he endeavoured to force his way in, but unfortunately, his support being so feeble, he was not successful, and under a hail of lead was forced to rejoin the main body. This brave officer died in India some years ago, whilst holding the post of Conservator of Forests.

HERBERT MACKWORTH CLOGSTOUN  (Captain)  19^th Madras Native Infantry             At Chickumbah, January 15^th 1859, this officer, with only eight men of his regiment (2^nd Cavalry, Hyderbad Contingent), charged the rebels and forced them back into the town, causing them to drop the loot they had secured.  He was severely wounded, and lost seven out of the eight men whom he led. He died in 1861.

ARTHUR F. FITZGIBBON  (Hospital Apprentice)  Indian Medical Establishment              Decorated for his gallant and cool behaviour and great courage on August 21^st 1860, at the storming of the North Taku Forts in China.  He proceeded with part of the 67^th regiment to a position within 500 yards of the fort and from cover he went out under a heavy fire to attend to the wounds of a dhooliebearer.  Having performed his duty to this man, he crossed another open and exposed space, still under a hail of lead, and ministered to the sufferings of others, during which humane act he was himself severely wounded.

HENRY WILLIAM PITCHER  (Lieutenant Bengal Staff corps), Adjutant 4^th Punjab Infantry             On October 30^th 1863, Lieutenant Pitcher led a party in a most gallant manner, to recapture the “Crag Picket,” after the enemy had driven in the garrison; killing sixty of them in a stubborn hand-to-hand fight.  Major Keyes, in command of the 1^st Punjab Infantry, relates that Lieutenant Pitcher led his party in a most cool and daring manner up to the last rock, until he was knocked down and stunned by a large stone thrown from above.  The nature of the approach to the top of the “Crag” was such that only one man could advance at a time.  On November 13^th following Lieutenant Pitcher led the first charge during the recapture of the same post, it having again fallen into the enemy’s hands.  He was, on this occasion, many yards in advance of his men, his conduct being the admiration of all present.  Major Keyes stated that it was impossible to over-estimate his services, and that during the assault the lieutenant was severely wounded, and had to be carried back.

SAMUEL HODGE  (Private)  4^th West India Regiment           On June 30^th 1866, at the storming of the town of Jubabecolong in the kingdom of Barra River Gambia, West Africa this private soldier behaved with very great bravery.  Colonel D’Arcy having called for volunteers to hew down the stockade with axes, Hodge and another soldier (afterwards killed) sprang forward and commenced the work.  On our troops gaining an entrance Hodge followed his officer through the town, opening two gates from the inside, which were barricaded and thereby allowing the supports to enter, upon which the enemy were cleared out at the point of the bayonet.  As soon as the troops had issued through the West Gate of the town, the colonel in the presence of all the men, acknowledged Hodge as the bravest soldier in the regiment. He is one of three men of colour who have gained the Victoria Cross.  The two other are William Hall, of Peel’s Naval Brigade, in the Mutiny, and W.J. Gordon (West India Regiment), at Toniatbe, West Africa 1892.

DONALD MACINTYRE  (Major, afterwards Major General)  Bengal Staff Corps             On January 4^th 1872, during the expedition against the Looshais, under General Nuttall and Bourchier, their chief stockade village, Lalgnoora, was attacked.  The assault by a small party of Goorkhas up the steep and rugged hillside was led by Major Macintyre.  On reaching it, it was found to be on fire, but this did not deter him, and undaunted, he sprang up the stockade, eight or nine feet high, and with his party successfully stormed the place.  This was carried out under the heavier fire delivered that day by the enemy. Born in 1831 at Kincraig, Ross-shire, educated at Addiscombe, entering the Army in 1850.  Served with the 66^th Goorkhas in 1852, in the expeditions against the Peshwur Hill tribes, being present at the destruction of Pranghur and the battle at Ishkakot.  Served also in 1853 against the Boree Afridi, and in 1856 in the Koorum Valley, under Sir N. Chamberlain.  Also in 1864 with the Doaba Field force.  His next active service was in the Looshai Expedition, as detailed above, in which he gained the Victoria Cross, and his last was in the Afghan War of 1879. He retired in 1880, and died April 15^th 1903, at Fortrose.

GEORGE NICHOLAS CHANNER  (Captain, Now Major-General, C.B.)  Bengal Staff Corps             On December 20^th 1875, during the Expedition in Perak, Captain Channer performed the hazardous and courageous act of creeping alone to the rear of the enemy’s stockade, which we were about to attack.  He got so close to it that he could hear their voices, and discovered that no watch was being kept; upon which he beckoned to his men, and the party crept quietly forward, and, under Captain Channer’s lead, dashed into it, this officer shooting the first an dead with his revolver.  The stockade was of a most formidable nature, and had it not been taken in the manner described, owing to the foresight and courage of Captain Channer, a great loss of life would in all probability have resulted before it could have been seized at the point of the bayonet, as guns could not have been brought to bear on it owing to its position. Major-General Channer, born in 1843, was educated at Truro and Cheltenham.  Entered the army in 1859, and served through the Umbeyla Campaign 1863; Malay Campaign 1875; Jowaki-Afridi Expedition 1877; Afghan War 1879, Hazara Expedition 1888.  Has been continually mentioned in despatches and received a good service pension in 1892.

JOHN COOK  (Captain)  Bengal Staff Corps              On December 2^nd 1878, Captain Cook displayed signal gallantry at the attack on the Peiwar Kotal.  Under a terrific fire he charged out of the entrenchments with such vigour and daring that the enemy fled before him.  At that moment he caught sight of Major Galbraith, A.A.G. Kurrum field Force, who was in great danger, being in personal conflict with an Afghan soldier.  He rushed to his rescue, cut at the Douranee with his sword, which the enemy avoided, sprang at him and grasped him by the throat.  The Douranee, who was most powerful adversary, while still endeavouring to get hold of and use his rifle, seized Captain Cook’s arm in his teeth, but was shortly afterwards shot through the head.  Captain Cook was severely wounded in the operations around Cabul on December 12^th 1879, and died on December 19^th.  The Lieut published the following divisional order. –General commanding-  “It is with deep regret the Lieu. –General announces to the Cabul Field force the death, from a wound received on December 12^th, of Major John Cook, V.C., 5^th Goorkhas.  While yet a young officer, Major Cook served at Umbeyla in 1863, where the distinguished himself, and in the Black Mountain Campaign in 1868.  Joining the Kurrum Field Force on its formation, Major Cook was present at the capture of the Peiwar Kotal, his conduct on that occasion earning for him the admiration of the whole force, and the Victoria Cross.  In the return in the Monghyr Pass he again brought himself prominently to notice by his cool and gallant bearing.  In the capture of the heights at Sang-I-Nawishta Major Cook again distinguished himself, and in the attack on the Takht-I-Shah Peak on December 12^th he ended a noble career in a manner worthy even of his great name for bravery. “By Major Cook’s death Her Majesty has lost the services of an officer who would, had he been spared, have risen to the highest honours of his profession, and Sir F. Roberts feels sure the whole Cabul Field Force will share in the pain his loss occasioned him.”  

WALTER RICHARD POLLOCK HAMILTON  (Lieutenant)  Bengal Staff (Formerly 70^th Foot)             On April 2^nd 1879, at the battle of Futtehabad, Lieutenant Hamilton’s commanding officer, Major Wigram Battye, had been killed, in a charge made by the Guides Cavalry against the Afghans.  Finding that he was the only officer left with the regiment. He promptly placed himself at the head of the men, led a most brilliant charge, and thoroughly routed the enemy.  His bravery was most marked during this engagement.  He saved the life of a Sowar, Dowlut Ram, whose horse had fallen, pinning him to the ground, and who was being attacked by three Afghans.  Hamilton went to the man’s rescue, cut down the three assailants, and brought him out of the melee.  Although recommended for the Victoria Cross on account of this daring act, the War Office at first refused to grant it, and it was only on October 7^th 1879, that tardy recognition was paid to him.  He, however never lived to know that they had recognized his conduct, for he accompanied the ill-fated mission under Cavagnari to Cabul, and fell on September 3^rd 1879, when the entire party was massacred in that city. 

O’MOORE CREAGH  (Captain, now Major General, K.C.B.)  Bengal Staff Corps              Sir O’Moore Creagh won the decoration on April 21^st 1879.  At the village of Kam Dakka on the Cabul River, Captain Creagh set out with two companies to attack the Mohmunds.  The enemy, about 1,500 strong, advanced upon them, and the little force had to retire on a neighbouring Afghan cemetery, which was made as defensible as possible.  Here his men repelled attacks with the bayonet all day up to 3 o’clock, when relief reached them.  A charge by the 10^th Bengal Lancers, under Captain (late Major-General) D. M. Strong, completely routed them, many being driven into the river.  Sir F. Haines, the Commander-in-Chief in India, stated that had it not been for the admirable conduct displayed by Captain, the little party would probably have been cut off and destroyed. Sir O’Moore Creagh served in china during the troubles in 1900, and for some years, during the occupation by European troops of part of that country, commanded those of England. Son of Captain Creagh, R.N., he was born at Cahirbane, Co. Clare, Ireland.  Educated privately and at R.M. College, Sandhurst.  Ensign 95^th 1866; Staff corps 1870.  Commanded the 2^nd Baluchis 1889.  A.Q.M.G. Bombay Command 1895.  Political Resident at Aden 1898-1900.  Since January 1904, has been in command of the Mhow District, India, in succession to Major-General Sir Richard Westmacott.

THE REV. JAMES WILLIAMS ADAMS, B.A.  Bengal Ecclesiastical Establishment  Chaplain, Cabul Field force              At the village of Bhagwana, on December 11^th 1879, two troops of the 9^th Lancers were, during a charge hurled with their horses into a wide and deep nullah, the enemy close upon them.  The Rev. J. W. Adams rushed into the water and dragged the men one after the other from under the horses, being at the time under a heavy fire and up to his waist in water.  While this took place, the Afghans were pressing on most vigorously, the leading men getting within a few yards of Mr. Adams, who having, previous to the above act, let go his horse in order to render more effectual aid to a young lancer whom he had rescued from the Afghan horsemen, was compelled to escape on foot.  Lord Roberts refers in his memoirs to this latter act of bravery and devotion performed by “The Fighting Parson,” as the Rev. J. W. Adams has been often called.  Seeing a wounded man of the 9^th Lancers staggering towards him, he dismounted and tried to life the man on to his own horse.  Unfortunately, the mere broke loose, and was never seen again.  He managed, however, to support the lancer until he was able to make him over to some of his own comrades.  Referring also to the act for which the “Padre” was awarded the Cross-, the same authority states that, on seeing the two lancers struggling under their horses, Adams did not hesitate an instant, but jumped into the ditch.  He was an unusually powerful man, and by sheer strength dragged the lancers clear of the struggling animals.  The Afghans had by this time reached Bhagwana, and were so close to the ditch that he thought Adams could not possibly escape.  He called out to him to look after himself, but until he had pulled the almost exhausted lancers to the top of the slippery bank, Adams paid no heed to his own safety or the warnings of his commanding officer.  It was not only at Cabul that this Irish clergyman distinguished himself, for just a year previously, during the first days of the war in Afghanistan, when acting as “aide” to Sir Frederick (Lord) Roberts, Peiwar Kotal way, he rode forth alone, early one winter’s morning, into the ravines, in search of a missing column, which he found, together with other benighted troops, led them to their position, and Peiwar Kotal was won. He took part in that historic and splendid march under (then) Sir Frederick Roberts, from Cabul to Kandahar in August 1880 and was present at the battle with, and defeat of Ayub Khan on September 1^st.  Five years later was again in the field, this time among the Paddi fields, obtaining medal and clasp.  This terminated his services in the east. In 1887 Mr. Adams became rector of Postwick, Norfolk, and of Stow Bardolf, in the same county, in 1895, finally holding the living of Ashwell, Oakham, where he died on October 20^th 1903 aged 63.

ARTHUR GEORGE HAMMOND  (Captain, now Colonel, K.C.B., D.S.O.)  Bengal Staff Corps              During the severe fighting around Cabul in December 1879, the troops were frequently hard pressed.  The numbers to be met and defeated or kept in check were overwhelming, as the hilltop were alive with men keeping up a long-range fire.  This became so harassing and annoying that it was at length resolved to storm the crags and drive them from their fastnesses once for all, and, on the 14^th, vigorous action was taken, with splendid results.  The position occupied by Colonel Hammond’s men was such an exposed and dangerous one, that a short retirement became necessary for strategic reasons, seeing which the exultant Afghans seized this opportunity to press on.  Colonel Hammond took a rifle and, hanging in rear of his men, opened so deadly a fire upon them that their advance was effectually checked.  Later on, when a Sepoy fell severely wounded, he rushed to his assistance and helped to rescue him from the Afghans. Son of Major T. G. Hammond, he was born in 1843, and educated at Sherborne and Addiscombe. Served in the Jowaki Afridi Expedition 1877, with the Guides under General Keyes; against the Ranizai village at Skhakat, March 14^th 1878, and attack on Utman Kheyl villages March 21^st.  Through Hazara Expedition 1888 (obtaining the D.S.O.), and Hazara 1891; Izazai Expedition 1892; Chitral Releif 1895, receiving the thanks of the Indian Government; Tirah Campaign 1897.  In 1890 was appointed A.D.C. to the Queen, and received his Colonelcy.  Has a good service pension. 

WILLIAM JOHN VOUSDEN  (Captain, afterwards Major General, C.B.)  5^th Punjab Cavalry             Decorated for his exceptional gallantry on December 14^th 1879, on the Koh Asmai Heights, near Cabul, when with a small party, he charged into the centre of the line of Kohistanis, who were retreating.  Although greatly outnumbered by the enemy, who repeatedly attempted to close round them, he led his men through their ranks, backwards and forwards, several times, afterwards sweeping off round the opposite side of the village and rejoining the rest of the troop. Major General Vousden, son of the late Captain Vousden, 21^st R.N.B. Fusiliers, was born at Perth, Scotland, on September 20^th 1845.  Educated at King’s School, Canterbury; R.M.C., Sanhurst.  Joining the 35^th Regiment in 1864 was transferred in 1867 to the 5^th Punjab Cavalry, serving in the Afridi Expedition on the staff, and the two Afghan Campaigns, in which he obtained Brevet of Major.  His subsequent active service was in the Miranzai Expedition, Tochi Field Force and Tirah Campaign, and the fighting on the northwest of India 1897-8.  In every one of these campaigns he was specially mentioned in despatches during the Afghan no lee than three times. He died at Lashore, India, November 12^th 1902. 

WILLIAM ST. LICIEN CHASEL  (Lieutenant, now Lieut. –Colonel, C.B.)  Bombay Staff Corps             On August 16^th 1880, during the Afghan War, the Khandahar garrison made a sortie against the village of Deh Khoja.  Private Massey, of the Royal Fusiliers, having been severely wounded, took shelter in a blockhouse, and from there Lieutenant Chase carried him for over 200 yards to a more safe position, the whole time exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy.  Private Ashford (V.C.) most bravely assisted him, remaining with him all the time. Lieut. –Colonel Chase, son of the late Captain R. H. Chase, commissary of Ordnance, was born at St. Lucia, West Indies.  Joined the 15^th Regiment in 1876, Indian Staff Corps 1878, and served through the Afghan War 1879-80, taking part in the Defence of Kandahar, the sortie above described, and the battle of Khandahar; Zhob Campaign 1884, Chn-Lushai Expedition and advance on Fort Haka; Naga Hills Campaign and Manipur 1893, Mohmund Expedition 1897, Tirah Campaign 1897-8, actions of Sampagha Pass; occupation of Maiden and Bagh Valleys, and operations in Dwatoi defile, Rajghul Valley, and Bara Valley.  Mentioned continually in despatches for his bravery and gallant service.  Now in command of the 28^th Bombay Pioneers

RICHARD KIRBY RIDGEWAY  (Captain, now Colonel)  Bengal Staff Corps              On November 22^nd 1879, during the attack on Konoma, in the Naga Hills Expedition, Captain Ridgeway displayed very great bravery in charging up to a barricade and, under a very severe fire, attempting to tear down the planking surrounding it.  During this brave act he was severely wounded in the left shoulder by a rifle bullet. Colonel Ridgeway, son of R. Ridgeway, Esq., and F.R.C.S. was born in Co. Meath, Ireland on August 18^th 1848.  Educated privately and at R. M. C. Sandhurst, he joined the 96^th Regiment in January 1868, and the Indian Staff Corps 1872.  Passed Staff College, 1883.  From 1847 to 1880 was Adjutant of the 44^th Goorkha Rifles.  Served through the Naga Hills Expedition of 1875, and that of 1879; Manipur 1891; Tirah 1897.

CHARLES JAMES WILLIAM GRANT  (Lieutenant, Now Major)  Indian (Madras) Staff Corps, Formerly 12^th (The Suffolk) Regiment            Lieutenant Grant gained the decoration in the outbreak, which occurred at Manipur, a small native State at the foot of the Eastern Himalayas.  While at Tummu, a small military station, news was brought him of the massacre of the residents at the former place on the night of March 24-25^th 1891, and of the danger the survivors, if any, were in.  Promptly taking with him eighty native soldiers, he marched day and night through Northern Burma, reached Thobal, near Manipur, and from March 31^st held it against the whole Manipuri army until relieved on April 9^th.  For this he was awarded the Cross-, and promoted Captain and Major on May 26^th, two months after his gallant exploit. Major Grant is son of Lieut. –General D.G.S. St. J. Grant, late Madras Staff Corps.  Was born at Bourtie, Aberdeenshire on October 4^th 1861; educated privately and at R.M.C., Sandhurst.  Joined Suffolk Regiment on May 10^th 1882, the Madras Staff Corps two years later-May 10^th 1884; and the 2^nd Burma Battalion in 1890.  In 1891 was A.D.C. to the Commander-in-Chief in Madras, Lieut. –General Hon. Sir J. C. Dormer; A.A.G. Madras District 1897.  Served through the Burma Expedition 1885-87.  Promoted Major, May 10^th 1900. In the Manipur Rising, in the fighting subsequent to the occurrence above related, he had his horse under him, and was him severely wounded.  All the surviving faithful and heroic men who accompanied him on his march to Thobal were decorated with the Order of Merit. 

GUY HUDLESTON BOISRAGON  (Lieutenant, now Major)  Indian Staff Corps              On December 2^nd 1891, at the capture of the Nilt Fort, this officer displayed great bravery in leading the assault, through very severe difficulties, to the inner gate.  Finding his force insufficient, he went back under a heavy cross fire and collected more men with whom he returned to the relief of the first party, now sorely pressed.  With the additional help he obtained, the enemy were driven from the Fort.  A more detailed account of the action is given in the record of Captain Aylmer (V.C.). Major Boisragon, son of Major-General H.F.M. Boisragon, ws born at kohat, Punjab, on November 5^th 1864.  Educated at Charterhouse and Sandhurst, joined the 10^th (Lincolnshire) Regiment in 1885 and the 5^th Goorkhas 1887,.  Became Captain 1896; Major 1903.  Served through the Hazara Expeditions of 1888 and 1891, with the two Miranzai Expeditions 1891, also in that in Waziristan 1894-5.  Took part in the fighting on northwest Frontier 1897; the operations in the Sarnana and Kurram Valley; Tirah Expedition 1897-8; operations against the Khani Khel Chamkhannis.

WILLIAM JAMES GORDON  (Lance Corporal)  1^st Battalion West India Regiment              On March 13^th 1892, an attack was made on the town of Toniataba, in West Africa.  Major G. C. Madden, who commanded the troops, was superintending a party of twelve men who were trying to break down the South Gate of the town with a huge beam, which they were using as a battering ram.  The Major’s back was, for a moment, turned to the gate, when suddenly, several musketbarrels, not more than two or three yards from him were pushed through two rows of loopholes, which up to that moment had been masked.  In an instant Gordon called to his officer to “Look out,” and, pushing him aside, flung himself between him and the muskets, which were at that moment fired, the contents of one of them entering gordon’s lung.  His quick act of heroic devotion undoubtedly saved the life of Major Madden. 

HARRY FREDERICK WHITECHURCH  (Surgeon-Captain, now Surgeon-Major)  Indian (Bengal) Medical Service; 24^th Bengal Native Infantry             On March 3^rd 1895, the garrison of Chitral Fort made a sortie.  When about one-and-a-half miles from the Fort, Captain Baird was mortally wounded, and Surgeon-Captain Whitechurch went to his assistance.  The enemy, in great strength, had now succeeded in forcing their wy through the fighting line.  Darkness had set in, and with only a small handful of Goorkhas and men of the 4^th Kashmir Rifles, they were completely isolated from assistance.  Placing the wounded officer in a dhoolie, they then attempted to return.  The Goorkhas most bravely clung to their load until three of them were killed and a fourth severely wounded, upon which Surgeon Whitechurch took Baird upon his back and continued the journey.  Unable to take a direct road, they were obliged ti make their way by a circuitous route of three miles, exposed to a raking fire from the enemy who were posted oon all the surrounding cliffs and walls, and it was only the darkness that prevented the total annihilation of the devoted little band.  Time after time, in order to force a way over some walls held by a more than usually obstinate group of the enemy, Whitchurch had to lay down his burden, and charge with his men, after which he would pick him up and make his way on a little further.  Eventually the Fort was reached with but seven men, whose devotion to their wounded officer has seldom been equalled.  Just as the doctor reached the Forts, Baird was hit for the third time, the bullet striking him in the face, and, in spite of every care, he died next day.  Before his death, however he was bale to tell of the heroic devotion of surgeon Whitchurch, being anxious it should not go unrecognised.   Captain Younghusband in his story of Chitral says that Mr. Robertson, Political Agent, wrote in his report to Government saying, “It is difficult to write temperately about Whitchurch,” and men who have rhemselves won the Victoria Cross have said that never has it been more gallantly earned than on this occasion. Dr. Whitchurch, son of Mr. F. Whitchurch, of Sandown, Isle of Wight, was born on September 22^nd 1866.  Educated in England, France amd Germany.  Entered St. Bartholomew’s Hospital 1883, and the Indian Army 1888, serving in the Looshai Eexpedition and the relief of Aijal and Changsil, Defence of Malakand; relief of Chakdara, Northwest Frontier of India 1897-8; China 1901, taking part in relief of Pekin Legations.

EDMOND WILLIAM COSTELLO  (Lieutenant, now Captain)  Indian Staff Corps             On the night of July 26^th 1897, during the fighting at the Malakand, Lieutenant Costello, with the assistance of two Sepoys, saved the life of a wounded Lance-Havildar, who was lying sixty yards away on the football field.  At the time of this gallant act, the field was swarming with the enemy’s swordsmen and a heavy rifle-fire directed upon it. Edmond Costello, son Surgeon-Colonel Costello, I.M.S., was born on August 7^th 1873.  Educate at Beaumont and Stonyhurst College, he joined the 14^th West Yorkshire in August 1892, and was attached to the 22^nd Punjab Infantry in 1894.  During Malakand Campaign was twice wounded. 

ROBERT BELLEW ADAMS  (Major and Brevet-Lieut. –Colonel, now Lieut. –Colonel, C.B.)  Indian Staff Corps            At Nawa Kili, in Upper Swat, NorthWest Frontier of India, on august 17^th 1897, Lieut. –Colonel Adams and some of the guides started in pursuit of the tribesmen after the action of Landakai, and it is believed that the horse of Lieutenant R. T. Greaves bolted with his rider.  When nearing the enemy, Greaves was shot through the body and fell to the ground, being quickly surrounded by the tribesmen.  Major Adams, Lieutenants McLean and Fincastle, seeing Greaves predicament, rode to his rescue and succeeded in recovering his body.  They drove off the enemy, but Greaves was killed by another shot just as they commenced to carry him away.  Major Admas most bravely stood between the enemy and McLean and Fincastle while these two officers were attempting to put their wounded friend on to one of their horses.  Lieutenant McLean was mortally wounded while engaged in this humane act. Robert Bellew Adams was born in 1856, and entered the Army in 1876, becoming Captain 1887; Major 1896.  Served in the Afghan War 1879, and Chitral Relief Force 1895.  Is A.D.C. to His Majesty the King.  Was presented with the Victoria Cross by the late Queen Victoria at Windsor, on July 9^th 1898.  At present serving at Mardan in India. 

HECTOR LACHLAN STEWART MacLEAN  (Lieutenant)  Indian Staff Corps             This officer, had he survived, would have been awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallant conduct on August 17^th 1897, in Upper Swat, India, when as recorded in the account of Colonel Adams (V.C.), he attempted to save the life of Lieutenant Greaves.  Lieutenant MacLean had served in the Hazara Expedition.

CHARLES JOHN MELLISS  (Captain)  Indian Staff Corps             When employed with the West African Frontier Force, Captain Melliss behaved with great gallantry at Obassa, on Septmeber 30^th 1900.  Seeing that the enemy were in great numbers, and about to offer a stubborn resistance, he collected as many men as could find at the moment, and led them through the bush in a charge against the natives, at a point where he saw they were most strongly united.  His courageous conduct, and that of his men, drove the enemy off for a moment, but a hand –to-hand fight soon took place.  He ran his sword through a native who had fired at him, being shot himself in the foot, which paralysed the limb, but his wild rush had had the desired effect, and the enemy broke into a panic and fled, pursued by the Sikhs, who slew a great number.  On three previous occasions Major Melliss was noticed for his courageous conduct. Son of Lieut. –General G. J. Melliss, I.S.C., Major Melliss was born in 1862.  Entered the Army in 1882 (East Yorks Regiment), and became Captain 1893.  Served in East Africa 1896, and against the Mazrui rebels; also on the northwest frontier of India 1897-8, and the operations in the Kurram Valley 1879.  Tirah Campaign 1897-8, ebing present at the storming of Dargai.  Took part in the actions in the Bara Valley and in the relief of Kumassi 1900, obtaining his Brevet of Lieut. –Colonel, and being twice mentioned in despatches.  In Sir John Willcock’s despatch of December 25^th 1900, the following refenece to him is made- “Although this officer (Captain Melliss) had been awarded the Victoria Cross for valour, his work throughout the campaign has been so valuable and conspicuous, that I sincerely trust he will be noted for higher promotion, on attaining the rank of Major, which he is now near.  He has eighteen years service, but is held back by the rules for promotion in the Indian Staff Corps.”

ALEXANDER STANHOPE COBBE, D.S.O.  (Captain, Local Lieut. –Colonel)  Indian Army            At the action of Erego, in Somaliland, on October 6^th 1902, some of the companies had retired, and Captain Cobbe was left by himself in front of the line with a Maxim gun, which he brought in quite alone and worked in a most gallant manner at a most critical period of the fight.  He also, when an orderly had fallen wounded, went out and brought him in, although he was exosed to a very heavy fire both from the enemy, only about twenty yards from him, and from his own men who had retired about the same distance in the rear. Born on June 5^th 1870, Captain Cobbe is the son of the late Lieut. –General Sir A.H. Cobbe.  Educated at Wellington, he entered the South Wales Borderers (24^th Regiment) as 2^nd Lieutenant in 1889, obtained his Lieutenancy in 1892, transferring to the Indian Staff Corps in the same year, and was gazetted Captain from September 21^st 1900.  Served in the Chitral Relief Force 1895, being mentioned in despatches; the South Angoniland Expedition 1898; and the Expedition against Kwamba 1899, being again mentioned.  During his service in Ashantee in 1900 was severely wounded, and received the D.S.O. The Victoria cross was presented to him by General Manning on February 22^nd 1903, at Obbia.

WILLIAM GEORGE WALKER  (Captain)  Indian Army  Serving with the Bikanir Camel Corps)            Associated with Captain Rolland (V.C.) in an act of conspicuous devotion and courage in saving the body of Captain Bruce during the fight at Daratoleh in the Somaliland Campaign, on April 22^nd 1903.  Fuller details are given in the account of Captain Rolland and Major J. E. Gough (V.C.). Captain Walker, so of the late Deputy-surgeon W. Walker, M.D., LL.D., of the Indian Medical Service, was born in 1863, educated at Haileybury, and entered the Army in 1885, becoming Captain 1896.  He served through the Miranzai (1891) and Waziristan (1894) Expeditions. 

GEORGE MURRAY ROLLAND  (Captain)  Indian Army  (Intelligence Officer Serving with the Berbera-Bohotle flying Column)           On April 22^nd 1903, in Somaliland, during the return of Major Gough’s column to Danop, the rear-guard was left far behind the rest of the column, and Captain Bruce was mortally wounded.  They were almost surrounded by the enemy who were swarming in the bush, very thick at this part, and while a heavy fire was kept up against them Captains Rolland and Walker (V.C.), with two men of the king’s African Rifles, one Sikh ad one Somali of the Camel Corps, stood by the wounded officer to save him from falling into the enemy’s hands. Captain Rolland afterwards ran back the savages saved 500 yards to the column, now fast disappearing in the distance, unaware of what was taking place, and returned with assistance to carry away Captain Bruce, and, by his and his fellow-soldiers great courage and devotion, the body of that officer from mutilation.  Captain Rolland’s account of the incident, published in one of the newspapers of August 10^th 1903, is set out here in full. Captain George Murray Rolland, son of the late Major Patrick Murray Rolland, R.A., was educated at Harrow and Sandhurst, afterwards jpoining the Bedfordshire Regiment.  In 1889 he joined the 1^st Bombay Infantry becoming Captain in Noveber 1900. From the “Daily Graphic” of August 10^th 1903.  “The following intresting extracts from a letter written by Captain George Murray Rolland, 1^st Bombay Grenadiers, Intelligence Officer, serving with the Berbera-Bohotle Flting Column, on whom the Victoria Cross has just been conferred for conspicuous gallantry at thebattle of Daratoleh, have been sent to us for publication- “It was a grand fight, and for four hours our little band of 200 stood shouldr to shoulder in a tiny little square, barely thirty yards on each side, with a hail of bullets falling all round us.  Our ammuntion was running short, so at 2.30 a.m. (the action began at 10.30 a.m.) Major Gough decided to retire.  A horde of savages followed us for three more hours, coming within fifteen to thirty yards of us.  It was a tight corner.  Major Gough is a splendid soldier, so cool and calm; he is a grand fellow.  Poor CaptainBruce and I were on the rear guard together-both Harrow boys.  The bush was so dense we could scarcely see a yard in it.  We were left behind with four men; so Bruce called out, “Rolland, come along with those men,” and we retired slowly, firing as we went.  A savage crept up close to the path along which we were arching; owing to the dense grass and bush we did not notice it.  Poor Captain Bruvce suddenly threw up his arms and fell on his face, shot through the body.  The bullet entered his right side and passed out by the left.  I saw the savage moving off’ my carbine was onhim in a second, and he rolled over.  I can’t tell whether he was actually the man who shot Captain Bruce, but I saw no other, so think it must have been him.  I ran to Captain Bruce and rasied him up, turning him on to his back.  He was bleeding terribly, and I saw at a glance it was a mortal wound.  I dragged him a little out of the path, which was much exposed to the enemy’s fire, and undid his collar, taking off his bandolier, revolver and belt, while the four brave men covered me with their fire and kept the enemy in check, who were yelling with delight as they saw one white man dying and another close to him, and they kept calling out to each other (I was told afterwards by the Somali who fought by me that they were saying that they had got us all, and to come on and spear us).  Captain Bruce was a very heavy man, of nearly 14 stone, and I am only 9 ½ stone, so I could not lift him.  None of the men could stop firing to help me, or the enemy would have been on us, so I shouted to the disappearing column, “Halt in front!”  It was then out of sight, slowly retiring along the winding path, and we were practically cut off.  It was a moment of great despair, as I thought my shout had not been heard.  “The enemy were now pressing us very hard, so I had to stop attending to poor Captain Bruce, and emptied the magazine of my carbine at them.  Then I fired off my revolver and emptied that too.  Suddenly Captain Bruce stood up, and I rushed to hold him up.  He walked two steps forward, and fell on his face again.  I tried to break his fall, and he brought me down too he was too heavy for me.  I again turned him on to his back.  He opened his eyes and spoke to me (his last words), “They have done for me this time, old man!”  From now to his death he was practically unconscious.  To my infinite relief I then saw Captain Walker trekking towards me.  He and I tried to carry Captain Bruce, but it was no use, so then I left them and ran back 400 yards or more to where the rear-guard was, to fetch help.  It was a terribly long run, and I thought I must get hit every moment, as the bullets fell splashing round me.  I seized a Bikanir camel, and was running back with it, when Major Gough came up and asked what was the matter.  I told him, and he rushed back to Captain Bruce.  I followed slower, as the led camel refused to step out, and I could not induce mine to hurry up-in fact he was frightened, and did not like to leave his friends. “I reached the little group, and made the camel sit down, and we lifted up Captain Bruce, ajor Gough at his head, and Captain Walker and I at his feet.  Whilr doing so three bullets struck the ground between us.  One went through poor Captain Bruce’s leg, but he was too far-gone t feel it.  Then the Sikh, who had done his duty nobly, had his arm smashed by a fourth bullet.  We had to throw Captain Bruce on to the Camel Anyhow, and as we did so the poor fellow died.  The two Yaos (Africans), the Somali, and the Sikh made up the four who helped us, and they did their work well.  It was a wonder to me that out of our little group only the Sikh was wounded.  I thought all the time that not one of us would escape, and that we should have all fallen.  However, we saved Captain Bruce’s body, and we could only regret that we could not save his life; but I knew when he fell that he had received his deathwound, and that all we could save from falling into the enemy’s hands would be his body, and I think God we were able to do that, for he would have been mutilated had those savages got hold of him.  He was a dear chap, a great friend of mine, and an old Harrow chum. R.I.P. “Well, we were not left alone till 5.30 p.m., and then the enemy drew off.  It was the hardest day of my life.  I tried and fired in that fight, till my rifle was boiling hot; even the woodwork felt on fire.  Up to 3 a.m. a few biscuits and cocoa, then a twenty-five mile ride, a seven hours fight, and twenty-five miles back to camp, i.e. fifty miles that day; twenty-five hours without food of any kind, between the 3 a.m. biscuits and cocoa on the 22^nd to the 4 a.m. dinner on the 23^rd.  Oh, the thirst of that day!  I had two water bottles on my camel, and drained them both.  Hunger I did not feel.  That march home was a terrible one!  The smell of the dead bodies the the blood on out empty stomachs made us feel so sick, and as I rode up and down from the front to the rear of the column and back I passed the bodies of Captains Bruce and godfrey tied on to camels, and swaying about helplessly.  Oh, it was a heart-rending sight to me to see all that remained of two strong, healthy men, who only that morning were so full of life and spirits!  We resched Danop again at 2 a.m. and when I got off my camel I reeled from tiredness, which to then I had not felt.  However, I was given brabdy and water, and then I had to go off and arrange for our dead to be laid out and placed under a guard for that night, to provent hyenas attacking them.  The wounded had to be looked to and made comfortable.  Next morning at 8 a.m. buried Captains Bruce and Godfrey side by side, just as they were, in their khaki uniforms.  Major Gough read the service, and we all stood round.  It was a most impressive funeral; a soldier’s always is, but this one was unusually so.  Not one of us could have spoken after it was over without breaking down, and we all walked away from the grave with silent, bowed heads.  Half an hour later we were all ourselves again, for there is not time in a soldier’s life for grief.  We were in and all busy with our respective work.  I had only one suit of khaki with me, so as it was covered with blood, I had to go and have it washed and dried, and went about practically naked while it took place.”

The Pride of the Indian Army. (1896)

Rattray's Sikhs. (45th Regiment) (1897)

Original page from the Army and Navy published 1897, this photograph of Rattray' Sikhs measuring 8" x 8" approx for sale priced £15.

Elephant Battery Marching Past (1897)

The Elephant is used as a draught animal in conjunction with our heavy batteries in India, particularly those of the siege train.  Elephant batteries are of modern origin, though the animal has been used in war from the earliest times, and can be managed by his mahout with as little difficulty as a well trained collie.  It is, indeed, astonishing to see the apparently clumsy animal wheeling to the right or left when ordered, as though he, like the gunners who accompany him, had passed a considerable time under the care of the drill sergeant.  Each animal can carry with ease a load of 1,000-lb.  Its food is usually from 15-lb to 30-lb of flour mixed with sugar or, or molasses, and 400-lb of green food.  It requires at least 25 gallons of water per diem, but works well on only five hours' sleep.  The first photograph represents an elephant battery marching past the saluting base.  The second depicts a portion of a battery drawn up for inspection.  Each heavy gun is drawn by two animals.  The gunners are seen in front of the elephants.

Elephant Battery Drawn up for Inspection. (1897)

Original page from the Army and Navy published 1897, these two photographs of Indian Elephant Batteries for sale priced £15.

During operations against the Khostwal tribesmen, Captain Eustace Jotham, of the 51^st Sikhs (Frontier Force), and a small party of about twelve of the North Waziristan Militia were attacked in a steep narrow valley at Spina Khaisora (Tochi Valley, Northwest Frontier Province of India) on January 7^th 1915.  Being almost surrounded by an overwhelming force of some 1,500 tribesmen, he gave the order to retire.  But on seeing that one of his men had lost his horse, Captain Jotham turned back to try and rescue him.  He was most unfortunately shot, but his gallant deed was posthumously rewarded with the V.C.

First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side.

Order Code DTE214.

Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5" x 8.5" (27cm x 22cm)

On February 14th 1915, while fighting with a force sent to quell a local rising of the Dervishes at Shimberberris, Somaliland, Naik Sher Singh, of the 23rd Sikh Pioneers, courageously volunteered to place a charge of gun cotton against the door of the Dervish stronghold.  But as he came close to the building he was fired upon through loopholes in the door, and fell insensible.

First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side.

Order Code DTE228.

Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5" x 8.5" (27cm x 22cm)

Skinner's Horse Cavalry Figure 1905 by Chris Collingwood

Skinner's Horse Cavalry Figure 1905 by Chris Collingwood

Officer, Skinner's Horse 1905 by Chris Collingwood

Officer, Skinner's Horse 1905 by Chris Collingwood