Victoria Cross
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Victoria Cross
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History of the Victoria Cross (Private) Scots (Fusilier) Guards Decorated for his gallant behaviours on September 20th 1854, at the battle of Alma, Crimea, when the formation of the line being thrown into disorder, Reynolds rallied the men round the Colours.
LUKE O’COMMOR (Colour-Sergeant, now Major General, retired) 23rd,
The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Colour-Sergeant O’Connor is remarkable instance of a man rising from the ranks to one of the highest positions in the army by sheer merit and bravery. On September 20th 1954, at the battle of Alma, he snatched the fallen Colours from the hands of Lieut. Anstruther, whose blood dyed them as he fell. Although severely wounded himself, being shot in the breast, he persisted in carrying the Queen’s Colours throughout the day. On September 8th following, he behaved with marked gallantry at the Redan, where he was shot through both thighs. General O’Connor was born on February 21st 1831. After serving through the Crimean War, he fought in the Indian Mutiny 1857-58, and the Ashantee Expedition 1873. He retired from the service in 1887. EDWARD W. D. BELL (Captain, afterwards Major General, C.B.) 23rd The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Knight Of The
Legion Of Honour Captain Bell won the Victoria Cross on the heights of Alma on September 20th 1854. Though more than decimated, the gallant Welsh charged up the hill in face of the Russian batteries and dense columns of infantry. The enemy was speedily in retreat. Captain Bell, seeing the enemy’s gunners in front of him preparing to ride off with one of their guns, which was actually limbered up, rushed forward, seized the leading horse, and, single handed captured the fieldpiece. All his senior officers being killed or wounded, he found himself in command of the regiment, which he successfully brought out of action. The gun was afterwards placed at Woolwich, the horses serving for some time in what was known as the “Black Battery.”
Major-General Bell became Lieutenant in April 1842; Captain in December
1848; Brevet-Major 1854; Lieut. -Colonel in Jan 1858, Colonel in August 1862,
and Major General on March 6th 1868. Was appointed to the command of the Belfast District February
28th 1875.
JOHN PARK (Sergeant) 77th
Regiment Awarded the Victoria Cross for many acts of bravery and devotion in the Crimean War. He was noticed for his conduct at the battles of Alma and Inkerman; highly distinguished himself on April 19th 1855, at the taking of the Russian rifle pits, earning special praise from Colonel Egerton at the time; was severely wounded, and remarked for his determined resolution at the two attacks on the Redan. COLLINGWOOD DICKSON (Brevet Lieut. -Colonel, now General, G.C.B.) Royal Artillery During the first bombardment of Sebastopol on October 17th 1854, Sir Collingwood Dickson, seeing that his men were running short of ammunition, went repeatedly with great courage under a hurricane of shot and shell, and carried barrels of powder to them from the magazine. In addition to this he stood for hours exposed to all the dangers around him, directing the unloading and storing of ammunition. This was the first cross-awarded for the siege of Sebastopol. General Sir Collingwood Dickson son of the late Major-General Sir A. Dickson, G.C.B., was born on November 20th 1817. Educated at R.M.A., Woolwich. Entered R.A., 1835, and was promoted Captain 1846; Brevet Lieut. –Colonel 1854; Colonel, June 1855; General, October 1877; Inspector-General of Artillery 1870-75; colonel Commandant R.A., 1875. Retired in 1885. WILLIAM PEEL (Captain, Afterwards K.C.B.) Royal Navy Captain Peel was awarded the Victoria Cross for three specific acts of bravery. On October 18th 1854, at the greatest possible risk, he picked up a live shell (the fuse of which was still burning) from several powder cases outside the Magazine, and threw it over the parapet. The shell burst as it left his hands, but his brave and prompt action saved the Magazine and the lives of all near him. At Inkerman, at the Sandbag Battery, the Grenadiers were hard pressed while defending the Colours. This officer was conspicuous for his assistance on this occasion, and specially noticed by H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, the Lieut. -General commanding the Division. At the Redan, on June 18th 1855, he volunteered for the ladder party, carrying the first one himself, till he was struck down. He took part in the relief of Lucknow in November 1857, and at the siege and capture in March 1858, dying of smallpox at Cawnpore, on his way to Calcutta on April 27th 1858. Third son of the Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel Bart, the distinguished Statesman, Sir William was born on November 2nd 1824, and passed away as above stated in his thirty third year. THOMAS GRADY (Private, afterwards Sergeant) 4th
King’s (Royal Lancaster) Regiment This brave Irishman, on October 18th 1854, volunteered to repair the embrasures of the battery on the Left Attack, assisted by another whose name has not been handed down. This act was accomplished successfully in clear daylight, under a heavy fire from a whole line of batteries. Again, on November 22nd, during the repulse of an attack on the most advanced trenches, although severely wounded he refused to quit his post among his comrades, but kept encouraging them to “hold on,” and was the means of saving the position and preventing the guns from being spiked. Sergeant Grady died some years ago in Victoria, New South Wales. WILLIAM McWHEENEY (Sergeant) 44th
(Essex) Regiment Decorated for his conduct on October 20th 1854, when he saved the life private John Keane who had been dangerously wounded when the Sharpshooters were forced to retreat from the “Quarries.” He took Keane on his back and carried him for a long distance under heavy rifle fire until he could place him in safety. On December 5th 1854. Corporal Courtney, a sharpshooter, was severely in the head. McWheeney went out into the open and, under a terrific storm of lead, brought him some distance back. He then, with his bayonet, dug up the ground to form a slight cover for him, as they were by no means out of range and the fire was still very severe, and remained with him until darkness had set in, when he was able to retire with him into safety. On June 18th 1855, he volunteered for the advance guard of General Eyre’s Brigade in the Cemetery. The Gazette states that he was “always vigilant and active,” and that he was “ never absent from duty during the war.” JOHN GRIEVE (Sergeant Major) 2nd
Dragoons At Balaklava October 25th 1854, in the heavy Cavalry charge one of Grieve’s officers being surrounded by Russian horsemen, he rode to his rescuer, cut off the head of one of them, disabled two others, and put them to flight, thereby saving the life of his officer. HENRY RAMAGE (Private, afterwards Sergeant) 2nd
Dragoons At the battle of Balaklava, Private McPherson of the 2nd Dragoons was severely wounded and surrounded by seven Russians. Private Ramage rode to his help, cut his way through the enemy and saved his comrade’s life. On the same day, when the Heavy Brigade was covering the retreat of the Light Cavalry, Private Gardiner’s leg was shattered by a round shot and he lay on the ground exposed to a very heavy cross fire. Ramage dashed to his rescue and carried him to the rear, the place where he had fallen being almost immediately covered by Russian Cavalry. He also, when the Heavy Brigade was rallying and the enemy retiring dismounted and brought in a prisoner from the Russian ranks. Ramage died at Newbridge, Ireland, not long after receiving his decoration, which was sold in London on June 16th 1903 for £61. JAMES MOUAT (Surgeon, afterwards Surgeon-General, K.C.B.) 6th
(The Inniskilling) Dragoons After the retreat of the Light Cavalry at the battle of Balaklava, on October 26th 1854, Lieut. -Colonel Morris C.B., 17th Lancers, was dangerously wounded and lying in a very exposed place. Surgeon Mouat went to his assistance and, in full view of the enemy, under a most severe fire, dressed his injuries, and by stopping a serious haemorrhage was able to save his life. Surgeon-General Sir James Mouat, son of the late J. Mouat, M.D., was born in 1815, and died in London on January 4th 1899. Educated at University College and hospital, London in 1837 admitted a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, being elected to the Fellowship in 1852. Entered the Army in 1838, serving during the Crimean War, at Balaklava, Inkerman and Tchermaya. Afterwards was principal Medial Officer in New Zealand 1863-5, receiving the thanks of that Government for his special and valuable services during the war. Appointed Honorary Surgeon to Queen Victoria 1888, and created a Military K.C.B. in 1894. Knight of the Legion of Honour. JOHN BERRYMAN (Troop-Sergeant-Major, afterwards Major) 17th
(The Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Lancers Sergeant-Major Berryman was once of the many heroes who fought right through the Crimean War. He was “mentioned” for Alma, Balaklava, Inkerman, and Mackenzie’s Farm, and at the last place captured three Russian soldiers close up to their own guns. At Balaklava his horse was shot under him in the charge, yet he remained with a wounded and dying officer (Captain Webb), whom he carried out of immediate range of the cannon. For his bravery at Inkerman, on February 24th 1857, he was specially mentioned in the London Gazette. Born on July 28th 1825, he died on June 27th 1896. ALEXANDER ROBERT DUNN (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut. -Colonel) 11th
Hussars On October 25th 1854 during the charge of the Light Cavalry at Balaklava, Lieutenant Dunn saved the life of Private Bentley by riding at, and cutting down, some Russians who were attacking him from the rear. Later on he saw Private Levett hard pressed by a Russian Hussar, and rode to his assistance, cutting down his assailant. In 1858 Lieut.–Colonel Dunn raised and commanded the 100th Royal Canadian Regiment, now 1st Batt. Leinster. He served in the Abyssinian War of 1868 as Lieut. –Colonel of the 33rd Regiment, and lost his life during one of the hard fought actions of that year. JOHN FARRELL (Quartermaster-Sergeant) 17th
Lancers On October 25th 1854 after the charges at the battle of Balaklava, when Farrell’s horse was shot from under him, Captain Webb was severely wounded. Farrell and Berryman (V.C.) carried the officer as far as the pain of his wounds would allow, and, when a stretcher was obtained, he assisted Berryman and a Private of the 13th Dragoons (Malcone V.C.) to carry him from the field. Farrell died at Secunderabad, India on August 4th 1865. JOSEPH MALONE (Sergeant, afterwards Riding Master) 13th
Hussars On October 25th 1854, while returning on foot from the charge at Balaklava, in which his horse had been shot, Malone stayed, under a severe fire, to take charge of Captain Webb, 17th Lancers (who had been mortally wounded), until others arrived to assist in removing him. SAMUEL PARKES (Private) 4th
(Light) Dragoons During the charge of the Light Cavalry at Balaklava, October 25th 1854, Parkes horse had been shot and he was dismounted, while that of Trumpet-Major Crawford had also fallen and its rider had lost his sword. Parkes dashed up to him, placed himself between him and two Cossacks and drove them off. When attempting to follow the retreat of the Light Cavalry, six Russians attacked them, but he kept them at bay, retiring slowly, until, after defending his friend for some time, his sword was shattered by a shot. CHARLES WOODEN (Sergeant-Major, afterwards Quarter-Master 104th Bengal Fusiliers) 17th
Lancers On October 26th 1854, after the battle of Balaklava, Sergeant-Major Wooden went to the assistance of Lieut. –Colonel Morris, C.B., and rescued him when lying exposed to a very heavy fire thereby saving his life. GERALD L;ITTLEHALES GOODLAKE (Captain, afterwards Lieut. –General) 1st Batt. Coldstream Guards Knight Of The
Legion Of Honour On the occasion of “the powerful sortie” made chiefly against the second Division on October 26th 1854, Major Goodlake was in command of the Sharpshooters of his battalion in the “Windmill Ravine” well in advance of the picket-house erected there. This he held against a large force, his men placing hors-de-combat no fewer than thirty-eight of the enemy and taking three prisoners. The Major during this combat was the only officer present, and most of his men were very young soldiers, the successors of their more matured comrades who fell at Alma and during the siege. In November following in the same place, when commanding almost the same men, he surprised a picket, the following extract from Kinglake’s Crimea gives an illustration of the invaluable work done by Captain Goodlake ad his Sharpshooters during the war- MAJOR GOODLAKE V.C. From Kinglake’s
“Crimea” To assure himself against any ambush, Captain Goodlake (taking with him Sergeant Ashton) had gone up to examine the caves, leaving the rest of his sixty men halted across the bed of the chasm and partly, too, on each bank. Whilst thus left for a moment without their commander, the sight of the Russian Column thronging up round the corner below suddenly confronted Goodlake’s men. The hostile force seemed like a mob, numbering about six or eight hundred men, and was pressing forward along the bed of the ravine and also along each of its banks. Goodlake’s people retreated firing. Goodlake himself, with Sergeant Ashton at his side, was still by the caves. Hemmed in by assailants and debarred by the craggy and difficult ground from any possibility of effectual retreat, he thought that he and the sergeant must submit to be made prisoners. Sergeant Ashton, however, suggested that if the captain and he were made prisoners they would be assuredly put to death, in vengeance for one of their recent exploits (referring to the fact that this little force under Goodlake had lately attacked a Russian picket, taking an officer and some of the men prisoners), and all notion of surrender being thereupon discarded, the alternatives of course was resistance. The Russians, whilst closing in upon their two adversaries, fired at them numbers of shots, which all, however, proved harmless. On the other hand Goodlake and the sergeant fired, each of them once, into the nearest clump of Russians, and then with the butt-ends of their rifles, knocked away the foremost of their assailants, and ran down to the foot of the bank. There, however, they were in the midst of a mob of Russians advancing up the ravine. To their great surprise, no one seized them; and it was evident that, owing to the grey cloaks and plain caps they both wore, the enemy mistaking them for his own fellow countrymen. Shielded by the illusion, and favoured, too, by the ruggedness of the ground and obstructive thickets of brushwood, which enabled them to be constantly changing their neighbours without exciting attention, they moved on unmolested in the midst of their foes; and, though strange, it is not the less true that this singular arch was continued along as distance of more than a half a mile. At length, with its two interlopers, the Russian throng came to a halt, and not without a reason, for it was confronted by the sixty men of the Guards, who, after the lengthened retreat they had made when their Chief was cut off from them, were now plainly making a stand and had posted themselves some thirty yards off, behind a little trench, which there seemed the bed of the gorge. Goodlake, with his trusty sergeant, soon crossed the intervening space, which divided the Russians from the English and found himself once more amongst his own people. Lieut. –General Goodlake, son of T. Goodlake, Esq., of Wadley, Berks was born on May 14th 1832. Entered the Royal Welsh Fusiliers 1848 exchanging into the Coldstream Guards in 1850; became Major in the Army, June 6th 1856; A.D.C. to Queen Victoria 1869; Major-General to the Land forces 1879; Lieut-General 1881; and died in 1890. JOHN AUGUSTUS CONOLLY (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) 49th (The Princess Charlotte of Wales) Regiment (Royal Berkshire) On the attack by the Russians outside Sebastopol during the “great sortie,” on October 26th 1854 (the day Balaklava), Lieutenant Conolly was in command of his company on outlying picket. The Russians hurled themselves on the Second Division. They were met, in the first instance, by the 49th, resolutely led by Conolly in frequent short, sharp charges, he himself engaging several of them in hand-to-hand fight, one after another, till at length, from loss of blood, he fell insensible, and had to be borne off the field. His gallant behaviour, no less than that of his men, elicited a General Order, in which all were deservedly praised. Soon afterwards he was promoted Captain into the Coldstream Guards as part reward for his bravery and devotion. Died at the Curragh of Kildare, Ireland in 1888. WILLIAM NATHAN WRIGHTE HEWETT (Lieutenant, afterwards Vice-Admiral, K.C.B., K.C.S.I.) Naval Brigade Knight of The
Legion of Honour At the great sortie from Sebastopol, on October 26th 1854, Lieutenant William Hewett was in charge of a battery. The Russians were swarming towards his post when the word was passed-by whom it was never ascertained-“Spike the guns and retire.” Hewett replied that “such an order did not come from Captain Lushington, and he would not do it till it did.” He then pulled down the parapet and assisted by a few soldier, swung the gun round towards the advancing thousands, into which he poured so steady a fire that the advance was checked, and the battery saved. For his pluck at Inkerman on November 5th, he was specially “named” in despatches. Sir William Hewett died at Portsmouth on May 13th 1888, aged 54. Son of William Hewett Esq, he was born at Brighton in 1834. Entered the Royal navy at the age of thirteen; became Captain in 1862; Rear Admiral 1878. Served in China in Burmah; also in Ashantee, including the capture of Coomassie; Egypt, 1882; and the Eastern Soudan 1884. JAMES OWENS (Corporal) 49th
Regiment Decorated for his bravery on October 30th 1854, in personal encounter with the Russians and for nobly assisting Major Conolly of the Coldstream Guards. He died on August 30th 1901, and his Victoria Cross was sold in London on October 15th 1902. WILLIAM STANLACK (Private) 1st
Battalion Coldstream Guards Decorated for his courage in volunteering, when engaged as a Sharpshooter in October 1854, to crawl up to within six yards of a Russian sentry, in order to enable his officer (Major Goodlake, V.C.) to effect a surprise. The danger he ran was fully explained to Private Stanlock, but it did not deter him from under taking the perilous adventure. THOMAS BEACH (Private) 55th
Regiment On November 5th 1854, at the battle of Inkerman, Lieut. –Colonel Carpenter of the 41st Regiment was lying wounded and several of the enemy were robbing him. Beach was on picket at the time. Seeing what the Russians were about, he attacked and killed two of them, protecting the officer from further molestation until the arrival of some men of the 41st Regiment. JOHN BYRNE (Private) 68th
Regiment At the battle of Inkerman, November 5th 1854, the 68th were ordered to retire but Byrne returned towards the enemy and brought back a wounded soldier who would otherwise have fallen into their hands. On May 11th, following he engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with a Russian on the parapet of the work he was defending. He killed his opponent and took away his arms.
HENRY HUGH CLIFFORD (Lieutenant, afterwards Major General, K.C.M.G.) Rifle Brigade On November 5th 1854 at the battle of Inkerman, Lieutenant Clifford was conspicuous by his bravery in leading a charge against the Russian lines. He cut off the head of one man and the arm of another, and by his determined assault, and the splendid following of his men, drove the Russians back. During the contest he saved the life of a soldier who had been wounded. Son of the 7th Lord Clifford of Chudleigh, he was born in Shropshire, on September 12th 1828, and died at Ugbrooke park, Chudleigh, in Devonshire on April 12th 1883 EDWARD ST. JOHN DANIEL (Midshipman) Royal Navy Recommended by Sir Stephan Lushington for conspicuous bravery on November 5th 1854, when a call for volunteers was made to bring up powder from a wagon which had been left in a most exposed position owing to the horses being all killed. Captain Peel (V.C.), who was in command of the battery at the time, specially reported the bravery of this young naval officer. He also accompanied Captain Pel as A.D.C. at the battle of Inkerman, and, at the attack on the Redan on June 18th 1855, when his officer was wounded, displayed the greatest devotion to him, placing a tourniquet on his arm under a terrific fire. Daniel left the Navy in 1861, and his Bronze Cross found its way into the United Service Institute, Whitehall, where it now remains. JAMES GORMAN Lengthy
research had been required to correct incorrect stories written about this man
by historians over the past one hundred and twenty five years, these writers had
used a mixture of information on the lives of three men named James Gorman who
had served in the Royal Navy between the 2nd March 1848 and 21st
August 1860. And an impostor James Devereux of Southwark who claimed that he had
joined the Navy as James H Gorman and had been awarded a Victoria Cross for his
action’s at Sebastopol. Aged
thirteen years, James Gorman was part of the first intake of two hundred boys to
be accepted into the Royal Navy as a apprentice on 2nd March 1848, James
was promoted to Ordinary Seaman 2nd Class 13 May 1852 and, two months later, to
Able Seaman. It was with this rank
that he served as a member of the Naval Brigade in the Crimea. The
Brigade, consisting of 1.020 officers and men from Her Majesty’s Ships Albion,
Britannia, Bellerophon, Diamond, London,
Queen, Rodney, Trafalgar
and Vengeance, were placed under the Command of Captain Stephen
Lushington of the Albion had been
formed at the request of Lord Raglan who had asked the Navy for assistance. At
first the sailors only worked around the camps in a non combatant role then as
more of the Soldiers were either killed or wounded they were replaced by the
Sailors. The
Crimean War was the first engagement where newspaper correspondents were allowed
to accompany the troops and report first hand from the battlefield to London
Newspapers. Reports by William Howard Russell of The
Times were favoured by readers who believed them to be the most graphic. In
describing the Battle of Inkermann, Russell quoted Lushingtons own words, “The battle commenced at half past seven on a cold misty
morning and was a determined attempt by the Russians to force the British from
the heights above the town of Sebastopol, a long day of heavy fighting followed
and the Russians were eventually driven back”. This
brief and understated quote does little to describe one of the bloodiest and
confusing battles ever fought by the British.
Whose soldiers, outnumbered four to one, engaged in desperate hand to
hand fighting till they finally repulsed the Russians. It
was when a lightly defended British position appeared to be overwhelmed by the
Russians, that James Gorman and his comrades performed their own desperate act
of bravery. Russell
reported the determination of the five sailors from the Albion who, as the
Russians advanced up the Careenage Ravine inflicting heavy casualties on the
British, were ordered to withdraw and leave the wounded.
They replied that “They wouldn’t trust any Ivan getting within
bayonet range of the wounded”. The
five sailors then mounted the defence works Banquette.
With the help of the wounded soldiers lying in the trench below them, who
were reloading rifles and passing them up, they were able to keep up a continual
and rapid rate of firing. This drove the enemy back three times when they were
within 40 yards of the wounded soldiers. The Russians finally fell back and gave
them no more trouble. Victory
did not come cheaply. Two of these brave sailors, Thomas Geoghegan who had just
returned from being treated for wounds he had received at Sebastopol and John
Woods were killed during this action while James Gorman, Thomas Reaves and Mark
Scholefield survived. During
the following week James Gorman again distinguished himself bringing Captain
Lushington to safety after Lushington had been surrounded and unhorsed by the
enemy troops. Gorman was badly wounded during this act of bravery. He was
returned to the Albion on 12 December
1854 where his left leg was amputated. Gorman then remained onboard the Albion while Reeves and Scholefield stayed ashore until September
1855. On
the 7 June 1856, James Gorman, Thomas Reaves and Mark Scholefield were
recommended by Sir Stephen Lushington to Queen Victoria as being worthy
recipients of the Victoria Cross. On the 24 February 1857 their names appeared
amongst the 82 whom the Queen had conferred this very special honour.
The
Queen presented Thomas Reeves with his decoration at the inaugural presentation
in Hyde Park, London, 26 June 1857. On the same day two Victoria Crosses were
dispatched through the War Office to be presented to Gorman and Scholefield who
were both serving in the Second Opium War against China. 61 of the first 85
Victoria Crosses were awarded to Officers. James
Gorman had already received his Crimea Medal with Clasps for Inkermann &
Sebastopol and the Turkish Crimea Medal, which had been presented to him by the
Sultan of Turkey. He was paid off at Sheerness, 21 August 1860, his 26th
Birthday. He
migrated to Australia where the Premier of New South Wales Henry Parkes employed
him as drill master and gunnery instructor on the Nautical School Ship Vernon,
on 17 April 1867. Where in addition
to teaching the boys all facets of cutlass and rifle drill, he instructed the
boys in gunnery practice. The
boys, the majority of whom were children of widows or woman, who had been
deserted by their husbands, came from all parts of the state and were required
to attend school for four hours each day in addition to learning a trade either
seamanship, carpentry, tailoring or shoemaking. In
1869 while still acting as gunnery instructor, James was appointed as Master at
Arms in Charge of the lower deck. On
Monday 1 April 1878, James Gorman VC was promoted to the position of Second Mate
with a salary of 130 Pounds ($A260) per year. He
retained this position as third officer of the NSS Vernon until 7 June 1881.
When disappointed that the Vernon was no longer teaching nautical skills to the
188 boys onboard, he transferred to the Ordinance Department, being appointed as
the foreman of the magazines on Spectacle Island for a yearly salary of 175
Pound ($A350). Spectacle Island was the first official Naval Stores Complex in
Australia and its powder magazine that was built in 1865 is still in use today. During
his time on NSS Vernon 1130 boys were received on the Ship. To be trained and
educated for a minimum of two years. Aged twelve years or over, the boys were
then apprenticed to the Colony’s settlers as farmhands or servants or to
factories and businesses as labourers. On
15 October 1882, aged 47 years James Gorman VC suffered a severe stroke. Three
days later he died. His funeral was held on 20 October 1882 with a grave side service taking place in the Church of England section of the Balmain Cemetery in Norton Street, Balmain. Among the large crowd of mourners were the Officers and a strong detachment of the boys from the NSS Vernon. A firing party comprising of the boys gave the usual naval salute.
(Text
for James Gorman VC kindly provided by Harry Willey, author of "150 Years
of the Victoria Cross, 1857-2007 Crimea to Afghanistan". ISBN
978-0-9758264-2-3)
ANDREW HENRY (Sergeant Major, afterwards Captain, Land Transport Corps) Royal Artillery A the battle of Inkerman on November 5th 1854, sergeant-Major Henry displayed great bravery in defending the guns of his battery against overwhelming numbers of the enemy, during which he was terribly wounded. His undaunted courage is thus referred to in Kinglake’s Crimea- “When the foremost of the enemy’s troops had so closely surrounded Henry’s guns as to be already but a few paces off, they charged in with loud shouts, undertaking to bayonet the gunners; but by Henry himself, and one at least of his people, they were encountered with desperate valour. Henry called upon the men to defend the gun. He and a valiant gunner named James Taylor drew their swords and stood firm. The throng of the Russians came closing in, very many of them for some reason bareheaded, and numbers of them, in the words of a victim, ‘howling like mad dogs.’ Henry with his left wrested a bayonet from one of the Russians and found means to throw the man down, fighting hard all the time with his sword arm against some of his other assailants. Soon both Henry and Taylor were closed in upon from all sides and bayoneted again and again, Taylor then receiving his death wounds. Henry received in his chest the up-thrust of a bayonet, delivered with such power as to lift him almost from the ground, and at the same time he was stabbed in the back and stabbed in the arms. Then, from loss of blood, he became unconscious, but the raging soldiery, inflamed by religion, did not cease from stabbing his heretic body. He received twelve wounds, yet survived.” Andrew Henry “rose from the ranks” to Lieutenant in the Artillery, May 15th 1855. Becoming Captain six months later. Possessed four clasps for the Crimea in addition to the Sultan’s medal. JOHN McDERMOND (Private) 47th
Regiment At Inkerman, November 5th 1854, this soldier saved the life of colonel Hely, who was lying wounded and surrounded by a number of Russians. McDermond rushed to his rescue and killed the soldier who had disabled him. AMBROSE MADDEN (Sergeant Major) 41st
Regiment During the battle of Inkerman, Madden led a party of his battalion and captured a Russian officer and fourteen soldiers, three of whom he personally accounted for. FREDERICK MILLER (Major, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) Royal Artillery Knight of The
Legion of Honour At Inkerman, November 5th 1854, the Russians had surrounded a battery, driving part of one of our infantry Regiments through it. Major Miller, however, afterwards personally attacked three Russians, and led his men in charging the occupants of the battery, successfully preventing them from doing any damage to the guns. Entered the Royal Artillery in December 1848, and became Captain in April 1855. ANTHONY PALMER (Private, afterwards Captain 3rd Essex R.V.) 3rd
Battalion Grenadier Guards Decorated for his bravery at Inkerman on November 5th 1854, when he followed Sir Charles Russell, V.C., into the Sandbag Battery. Was also present when the charge was made in defence of the Colours. It is stated that Private Palmer saved the life of Sir Charles Russell by killing the Russian who was about to bayonet him. His Victoria Cross is now in the United Service Institute, London. THE HONOURABLE HENRY HUGH MANVERS PERCY (Colonel, afterwards Lord Percy) Grenadier Guards On November 5th 1854 at the battle of Inkerman, Colonel Percy charged alone far ahead of his men into the Sandbag Battery, which was at the time strongly held by the enemy, who kept up a heavy fire of musketry. On the same day hr found himself, with many soldiers of various regiments who had charged too far, almost surrounded by the Russian. Without ammunition and exposed to severe fire from the enemy, their position was most precarious, but Colonel Percy, by his knowledge of the ground and skilful leading, brought the men to where fresh ammunition could be obtained, and they were able to continue the fight. H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge signified his approbation of his gallant conduct on the spot. JOHN PRETTYJOHN (Corporal, afterwards Colour-Sergeant) Royal Marine Light
Infantry At the battle of Inkerman, Corporal Prettyjohn greatly distinguished himself by his cool courage, in going on ahead of the men and opening fire upon the enemy, killing four of them and so checking their advance. He died on January 20th 1887. THOMAS REEVES (Seaman) Royal Navy Associated on November 5th 1854. At Inkerman in a heroic act described in the record of Gorman. HUGH ROWLANDS (Brevet Major, Now General, K.C.B, C.B.) 41st
Regiment Decorated for gallant conduct on November 5th 1854, in saving the life of Colonel Hely of the 47th Regiment, who was wounded and surrounded by Russian soldiers. Also at Inkerman, at the commencement of the great battle, his bravery was most conspicuous. By his exertions and courageous leading, the advanced picket held the ground they had occupied, against the attack of the enemy. Born in 1829, Sir Hugh Rowlands entered the army in 1849. For his services in the Crimean War, besides the decoration of the Victoria Cross, he received his Brevet-Majority, 5th Class Medjidie, and Turkish Medal, and was created Knight of the Legion of Honour. Served in the Kaffir and Zulu Wars, 1877-9, being mentioned in despatches; from 1884-9 was in command of a 1st class district in India, and from 1893-6 commanded the Scottish District. SIR CHARLES RUSSEL, BART (Brevet-Major, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) Grenadier Guards On November 5th 1854, at the battle of Inkerman, Sir Charles Russell offered to dislodge a party of Russians from the Sandbag Battery if any one would follow him. His call was quickly answered, Sergeant Norman V.C., Privates Anthony Palmer, V.C., and Bailey being the first. Bailey was killed, but under the courageous leadership of Sir Charles Russell the attack proved a complete success, the enemy being driven from their position. MARK SCHOLEFIELD (Seaman) Royal Navy At the battle of Inkerman, November 5th 1854, Scholefield was associated with Gorman (V.C.) and Reeves (V.C.) in a heroic act described in the record of Gorman. MARK WALKER (Lieutenant and Adjutant, afterwards General, K.C.B.) 30th (Cambridgeshire)
Regiment Lieutenant Walker was awarded the Victoria Cross for a particularly courageous action at the battle of Inkerman on November 5th 1854. When the pickets gave the alarm, the 30th Regiment advanced in two battalions, the right under Colonel Mauleverer, and the left under Colonel Petullo. Lieutenant Walker was with the former battalion, which moved towards a low wall and lay down. Suddenly from out the thick fog, which had been hanging over the ground since daylight, two heavy columns of Russian Infantry appeared close upon them, and the 30th were ordered to open fire. In those days it was the custom to pile arms at night before the men’s tents, and the stoppers of the Rifles had been lost, causing the arms to become wet and useless. With the Russians coming closer and closer, the position became most critical, and under such disadvantages, there was a possibility of the men becoming nervous and out-of-hand. It was at this moment that Lieutenant Walker grasped the situation. He sprang up on the low wall, and calling on his men to follow him with the bayonet, led them straight at the Russian ranks. The suddenness of the appearance and attack of our men, and the fact that they could not see how small our party really was, caused a panic among the enemy, who, in spite of the exhortations of their officers, turned and bolted, followed some distance by the intrepid little party. The success of this affair was almost entirely due to the cool and courageous conduct of Lieutenant Walker, who, by his splendid example under sudden adverse circumstances, gave encouragement to his men, and turned what might have proved a serious reverse into a brilliant episode of the battle. Soon afterwards, Lieutenant Walker volunteered and led a party, which destroyed a Russian rifle pit, and for his conduct on this occasion was promoted, into the Buffs. General Sir Mark Walker, son of Captain Alexander Walker, of Gore Port, county Westmeath, a distinguished peninsular officer, was born on November 24th 1827. Educated at Portarlington, he entered the army in 1846 and served as Adjutant of the 30th Regiment all through the Crimean War. At the battle of Alma his horse was shot under him and he was wounded. While serving in the trenches he was again wounded, this time so seriously as to necessitate amputation of the right arm. Frequently mentioned in despatches. Served through the China War of 1860 as Brigade Major. Commanded a Brigade at Kamptu 1875-9; at Aldershot 1883-4; and Gibraltar 1884-8. Colonel of the Sherwood Foresters from 1900, he died at Arlington Rectory, Barnstaple, on July 18th 1902, and is buried at Folkestone where he had lived for many years. GEORGE WALTERS (Sergeant) 49th
Regiment On November 5th 1854, at the battle of Inkerman, Brigadier-General Adams, C.B., was surrounded by Russians and in a perilous position. Walters went to the officer’s rescue and saved his life by bayoneting one of his assailants. F. WHEATLEY On November 10th 1854, before Sebastopol, this soldier performed the plucky act of throwing over the parapet a live shell which had fallen into the trenches. CLAUDE THOMAS BOURCHIER (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel) 1st Battalion (The Prince Consort’s Own) Rifle Brigade Knight of the
Legion of Honour Lieutenant Bourchier was among those who captured and held the Russian rifle pits on November 20th 1854. These places were appropriately called by the besiegers “ovens,” or “wasps’ nests,” and from the Russian riflemen killed many of our men every night. To put an end to this, Major Bourchier determined that they should be captured and destroyed. In doing this he so highly distinguished himself that his name and his acts of bravery were promulgated in French General Orders. On the fall of Lieutenant Tryon he succeeded to the command of the two hundred men of his regiment engaged in effecting this important capture. WILLIAM JAMES MONTGOMERY CUNINGHAME (Captain, afterwards Colonel Sir William, Bart) 1st
Battalion (Prince Consort’s Own) Rifle Brigade On November 20th 1854, during the capture of the Russian rifle pits, Captain Cunninhame displayed great bravery. The fight was a most severe one, and his conduct was particularly distinguished. The affair attracted the attention of the French General, who recorded it in General Orders. Sir William Cunninghame, Bart., born in 1834, was present at the actions of Alma, Balaklava, Inkerman and Sebastopol. WILBRAHAM OATES LENNOX (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut. –General, K.C.B.) Royal Engineers On November 20th 1854, during the siege of Sebastopol, it became necessary to establish a lodgement in some dangerous rifle pits, overhanging the Woronzoff Road. Lieutenant Lennox was conspicuous, among many others, by his “cool and gallant conduct” in repelling the numerous and persistent assaults of the enemy. This brilliant operation drew forth the compliment of a special order from Marechal Canrobert, of the French Army, at whose request the Rifle Brigade was selected to make the capture. Sir Wilbraham Lennox, son of the late Colonel Lord J. G. Lennox, was born in 1830, and served through the Indian Mutiny; with the German Army in the Franco-Prussian War, 1870; and with the Turkish Army during the Russo-Turkish War 1877. Brigadier-General in Egypt 1884-7, and in command of the Forces at Ceylon 1887-8, Director-General of Military Education 1893-4. WILLIAM NORMAN (Private) 7th
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) On the night of December 19th 1854, when placed on a single sentry duty a considerable distance in advance of the others in the White Horse Ravine (a task requiring much courage and vigilance, as the enemy’s picket was only 300 yards distant), three Russians crept up under cover of brushwood to reconnoitre our position. Without any noise, lest he should give the alarm, Private Norman went stealthily towards them, and single-handed, captured two of them. WILLIAM JAMES LENDRIM (Corporal, afterwards Quartermaster-Sergeant) Royal Engineers The Victoria Cross was awarded to this non-commissioned officer for intrepid conduct on April 11th 1855, before Sebastopol, in getting on to a parapet under a hail of lead and extinguishing a fire, which had broken out among the sandbags. He was practically prominent in setting a fine example of courage to a party of one hundred and fifty French Chasseurs, whom he was superintending, on February 14th 1855, during the building of No. 9 Battery, Left Attack and replacing all the capsized gabions under heavy fire. (Awarded French War Medal.) On April 20th he was one of the four volunteers to destroy the farthest Russian rifle pit. He died in October 1892 at Camberley, where he had long held the post of Quartermaster-Sergeant to the Staff College. GEORGE GARDINER (Colour-Sergeant) 57th
West Middlesex (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Regiment On March 22nd 1855, Sergeant Gardiner was orderly-sergeant to the field officers on trench duty. The Russian attack was sudden, and there was a momentary retirement out of the trenches. Gardiern hastened to the threatened point, rallied the men, led them against the enemy and regained the position at the point of the bayonet. On June 18th, his courage and devotion to duty was marvellous. He remained in front of the enemy, encouraging others to do the same, taking shelter in the holes made by the exploded shells, and making a parapet of the dead bodies of his comrades! From this gruesome entrenchment they kept yup a steady fire until their ammunition was exhausted. This was done, according to the official account, under a fire by which nearly half the officers and one-third of the rank and file of the party of the Regiment were placed hors-de-combat. ALEXANDER WRIGHT (Private) 77th
Regiment Decorated for special bravery during the whole Crimean War. Greatly distinguished himself on the night of March 22nd 1855, in repelling a sortie and at the taking of the rifle pits on the night of April 19th 1855, being specially noticed on that occasion for the fine example he gave the men while holding the position under a terrible fire. Displayed great bravery also on August 30th 1855, when he was wounded. WILLIAM COFFEY (Private) 34th
Regiment Decorated for his bravery on March 29th 1855, when he threw a lighted shell, which had fallen into the trench over the parapet. JOHN SULLIVAN (Boatswain’s Mate) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour Sir S. Lushington recommended Sullivan for the Victoria Cross for an act of great bravery on April 10th 1855. A concealed Russian Battery was doing great execution on one of our advanced works, and, in order to enable our No. 5 Battery to open fire on it, Sullivan deliberately placed a flag on a mound in a most exposed position under a terrific fire. Commander Kennedy reported that Sullivan’s gallantry was always conspicuous.
SAMUEL EVANS (Private) 19th (1st
Yorkshire) (Alexandra, Princess of Wale’s Own) Regiment Samuel Evans volunteered, on April 13th 1855, to enter an embrasure in order to repair the damage done by a concentrated fire on one of our batteries before Sebastopol. Our gunners were nearly all killed, and while others wee being brought up to take their place, Evans and Callaghan entered the battery, and, leaping into the embrasure under a heavy fire, undauntedly preserved until the breach was mended. Callaghan fell during the war. Evans was one of the sixty-two who received the Cross-from Her Majesty the Queen on June 26th 1857. Originally a 26th Cameronian, which he joined in 1839, serving it in China in 1842, gaining his first Medal, followed by the Crimean with three clasps, the French and Turkish. He died at Edinburgh in his eighteenth year in October 1901. MATTHEW CHARLES DIXON (Captain, now Major General, retired) Royal Artillery Knight of the
Legion of Honour Colonel Dixon was in command of a battery before Sebastopol, on April 17th 1855. On the afternoon of that date, during a terrible cannonade, a shell fom the enemy blew up his magazines, destroyed the parapet, killed and wounded ten men, dismounted or otherwise disabled five guns, and covered a sixth with earth. One solitary gun remained. With this he encouraged and helped his few remaining men to open fire on the enemy, keeping it in action, working as a gunner himself, until the sun went down, and being all the time (some seven hours) exposed to the concentrated fire of the enemy’s line of batteries. Major-General Dixon, son of General Matthew Dixon, R.E., was born at Avranches in Brittany in 1821. Educated R.M.A., Woolwich. Joined the R.A. on March 19th 1839; became Captain 1848; Major 1855; colonel 1860, and Major General 1869. HENRY McDONALD (Colour-Sergeant, afterwards Captain) Royal Engineers Decorated for conspicuous bravery on April 19th 1855, when engaged in effecting a lodgement in the enemy’s rifle pits, in front of the left advance of the right attack on Sebastopol. Later on in the day, the Engineer officers being wounded and the command developing on him, he persisted on the Sap, in spite of the repeated attacks of the enemy. He died in Glasgow on February 15th 1893, aged 70 JOSEPH BRADSHAW (Private) 2nd
Battalion Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own) Among some almost impregnable rocks overhanging the Woronzoff Road the Russians had constructed rifle pits, and from these a harassing fire was kept up day and night upon our men. As this was becoming unbearable and greatly interfered with some works we were engaged upon, Bradshaw, on April 22nd 1855 (accompanied by Robert Humpston) attacked and captured one of the pits in broad daylight, holding it until support arrived, when the rest of these “wasp’s nests”-as they were called-were destroyed. For his gallant exploit he received a gratuity of £5 and was promoted on the spot. ROBERT HUMPSTON (Private) 2nd
Battalion Rifle Brigade A new battery was being erected by our men on the extreme right front of the 2nd Parallel Left Attack and every night the work was greatly impeded by the fire from some Russians in a rifle pit, situated among the rocks overhanging the Woronzoff Road, between the 3rd Parrallel Right Attack and “the Quarries.” On April 22nd 1855, in broad daylight Robert Humpston and Joseph Bradshaw stormed and took it, and on further support being obtained, they eventually destroyed it. Both men received a gratuity of £5 and were promoted, in addition to being awarded the Victoria Cross. R. McGREGOR (Private) 2nd
Battalion Rifle Brigade Decorated for his conspicuous bravery when employed as a Sharpshooter in July 1855. Two Russians occupying a rifle pit went were most annoying by their continuous fire, and McGregor crossed the open space under a hail of bullets, took shelter under a rock and dislodged them, occupying the position himself. THOMAS DE COURCY HAMILTON (Captain, Afterwards Major-General) 68th Durham Light Infantry Knight of the
Legion of Honour On the night of May 11th 1855, the Russian made a most determined sortie from Sebastopol, but Captain Hamilton led a few men from a battery of which he held possession and boldly charged the enemy. His gallantry and daring conduct on this occasion was most conspicuous, and by his courageous initiative the works were saved from falling into the enemy’s hands. Major-General Hamilton, son of the late James John Hamilton, Esq., Ballymacoll, Co. Meath, was born at Stranraer, Wigtonshire, and July 20th 1825. Educated privately. Joined the 90th Light Infantry, 1842, serving through the Kaffir War of 1846. Present with the 68th Light infantry at Alma, Balaklava, Inkerman and the siege and fall of Sebastopol, obtaining medal and four clasps and the Turkish medal. Retired 1874. CECIL WILLIAM BUCKLEY (Lieutenant, afterwards Captain) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour On May 29th 1855, while serving as junior Lieutenant of the Miranda, Captain Buckley, accompanied by Lieutenant Burgoyne and Gunner John Robarts, landed and set fire to immense quantities of stores belonging to the Russians at Genitchi, in the Sea of Azoff. Captain Lysons, in his despatch, remarked that these stores were in a particularly favourable position for supplying the Russian Army, and that their destruction was of the utmost importance. This act was carried out in the presence of a very large force of the enemy and at imminent risk. On June 3rd, following, Captain Buckley, this time in company with Henry Cooper (V.C.), boatswain, performed a similar act of bravery at Taganrog, the dangers of this second desperate undertaking being equally as great as the first. His name appears first in the Gazette as being awarded the Victoria Cross, although Mr. Lucas performed the earliest act for which the decoration has been gained. The institution of the Victoria Cross was made retrospective to the commencement of the Crimean War. Captain Buckley died at Funchal, Madeira, on December 7th 1872. HUGH TALBOT BURGOYNE (Lieutenant, afterwards Captain) Royal Navy Hugh Talbot Burgoyne was Senior Lieutenant of the Swallow, in the Sea ofAzoff, in May 1855, and on the 29th of that month, with Lieutenant C. W. Buckley (V.C.) and Mr J. Robarts (V.C.), gunner, landed at Genitchi and destroyed, in spite of an over whelming force, vast quantities of Government stores and forage for use of the Russian Army in the Crimea. At Taganrog, on June 3rd, he performed a similar act of daring, in face of a still stronger force. Captain Burgoyne, fifteen years afterwards, when in command of H.M.S. Captain, went down with that vessel off Cape Finisterre during the night of September 6th 1870. Of the officers and crew, 490 men, only eighteen were saved. The names of the men drowned are to be found recorded on a brass tablet in St. Pal’s Cathedral. JOHN ROBARTS (Chief Gunner) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour Mr J. Robarts on May 29 and June 3rd 1855 was one of the few who landed from the boats of the Miranda to destroy stores, forage and ammunition at Genitchi and Taganrog. Mr Robarts died October 17th 1888. HENRY COOPER (Boatswain) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour Henry Cooper accompanied his commander, Lieutenant Buckley, R.N., in his gallant and desperate exploit at Taganrog, on the night of June 3rd 1855, when he landed in the face of a great force of Russians and fired the stores. Cooper survived his chief by twenty-one years, having died at Tor Point, Devon, on July 15th 1893.
GEORGE SYMONS (Lieutenant, 5th Battalion Military Train) (Late Sergeant
Royal Artillery) Decorated for the heroic act on June 6th 1855, of unmasking the embrasures of a five-gun battery. The Russians commenced a terrific fire on his opening the first embrasure, and increased, and increased its ferocity in proportion as each additional one was opened. He performed the uncovering of the last one by boldly mounting the parapet and throwing down the sandbags, but was badly wounded by a shell, which burst while he was performing his task. The Cross-awarded him for this brave act has found its way to the United Service Institute, London. MATTHEW HUGHES (Private) 7th
Regiment Colonel Campbell, 90th Light Infantry, specially noticed the gallant conduct of Hughes on June 7th 1855 as the storming of “the Quarries.” He twice went for ammunition across the open ground, also going to the front and bringing in Private John Hampton, who was lying wounded. On June 18th 1855, he volunteered to bring in Lieutenant Hobson of his regiment, who had been shot, and in performing this humane act was him severely wounded. THOMAS ARTHUR (Gunner and Driver) Royal Artillery On June 7th 1855, when in charge of the Magazine in one of the batteries, Arthur carried, of his own accord, barrels of powder and ammunition for the 7th Fusiliers several times across the open. On June 18th 1855 he volunteered for and formed one of the party who spiked the guns at the assault on the Redan. Arthur fought in the China War of 1860 and died at Savernake in March 1902, his Cross being sold in London on July 17th of that year for £47. HENRY MITCHEL JONES (Captain) 7th The
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) On June 7th 1855, during the attack on the “Quarries” before Sebastopol, Captain Jones behaved with great coolness and daring in the face of overwhelming numbers. Repeatedly he led the men around hi to repel the continual assaults of the enemy during the night. Although suffering from severe wounds received earlier in the day, in order to encourage his men he remained unflinchingly all night long at his dangerous post, until after daylight next morning.
Retiring in 1857, Captain Jones ha occupied diplomatic positions in
Tabreez, Christiania, Philippopolis, Bangkok, Lima, and Quito. JOHN LYONS (Private) 19th
Regiment
Decorated for bravely taking up, on June 10th 1855, a live
shell which had fallen among the guard in the trenches and throwing it over the
parapet. THOMAS WILKINSON (Bombardier) Royal Marine Artillery Knight of the
Legion of Honour Thomas Wilkinson was specially recommended for his brave conduct on June 5th 1855. He was in the advanced batteries, and when the breast-work was much injured by the Russian Artillery, most courageously repaired it under a very galling fire.
He died at York on September 22nd 1877. JOSEPH PROSSER (Private) Decorated for two acts of bravery. On June 16th 1855, when on duty before Sebastopol, he pursued and caught, less than two heavy cross fires, a soldier deserting to the enemy. On August 11th 1855, when in the most advanced trench before Sebastopol, he left it and went to the assistance of a soldier of the 95th Regiment who had fallen badly wounded, and succeeded in carrying him into safety, all the time under a heavy fire. JOHN ALEXANDER (Private) 90th
Regiment On June 18th 1855, after the attack on the Redan, Alexander went out of the trenches and brought in several wounded under a heavy fire. He also on September 6th 1855, went out and assisted to bring in Captain Buckley, of the Scots Fusilier Guards, who was lying dangerously wounded in an exposed position. He never lived to receive the Cross-he so nobly earned, as he was killed in India on September 24th 1857, during the Mutiny. HENRY CURTIS (Boatswain’s Mate) Royal Navy The act of bravery and of humanity, which gained for this “blue-jacket”, the Victoria Cross, on June 18th 1855, is given in the Record of Admiral Henry Raby V.C. On that day, with J. Taylor, V.C. he assisted in rescuing a young soldier of the 57th in front of the Redan. The three sallied out of the shelter of the trench and brought in the wounded man, who had been shot through both legs. The distance they had to travel forward and back were about a hundred yards each way. Curtis died at Buckland, Portsmouth on November 23rd 1896. HOWARD CRAUFURD ELPHINSTONE (Lieutenant, afterwards Major General, K.C.B.) Royal Engineers Knight of the
Legion of Honour During the night of June 18th 1855, after an unsuccessful attack on the Redan, this brave officer collected together a party of volunteers of all corps and proceeded to bring back from under the enemy’s guns on the ramparts the scaling-ladders left behind during the assault, thereby saving them from falling into the hands of the Russians. No sooner had he finished his task than he again set forth, leading the same gallant men, to search for the wounded who were lying close up to the Redan, and whose cries for water could be heard in the distance from time to time. In this he was most successful, carrying in no less than twenty men himself. It is said to relate that Sir Howard Elphinstone was, on March 8th 1890, washed overboard and drowned when on a voyage to Madeira on R.M.S. Tongariro. Son of Captain Alexander Elphinstone, R.N., he was born at Riga, Northern Russia, on December 12th 1829. Educated abroad and at Woolwich, passing into the Royal Engineers in December 1847; became Captain 1856; Colonel 1864; Major General 1887; A.D.C. to H.M. Queen Victoria 1877-87. Commanded the Devonport district from 1889 until his death. THOMAS ESMONDE (Captain, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) 18th
(The Royal Irish) Regiment On June 18th 1855, during the attack on the Redan, captain Esmonde several times displayed great gallantly in rescuing the wounded, all the time under a very heavy fire from the enemy. On June 20th, while in command of a covering-party, a fireball fell close to them, and, knowing that a heavy fire would greet any one exposing himself, he called to his men to stand and take shelter, and dashing out commenced to extinguish it. As he had anticipated, a terrific hail of shot and shell directed upon him, but in spite of all he succeeded in his courageous act and escaped unscathed. GERALD GRAHAM (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut. –General, G.C.B., G.C.M.G.) Royal Engineers Knight of the
Legion of Honour Sir Gerald’s first recorded conspicuous act of bravery happened on June18th 1855. The Redan-in compliment to our brave allies, and in order to obliterate the memories of another June 18th, just forty years before-was to be attacked, with what result is well known. Lieutenant Graham-he was then only twenty-four- led a ladder party right up to the cannon’s mouth. Our columns were repulsed, and obliged tom retire, and it was then that Lieutenant Graham sallied forth, and with great dash rescued from death and misery many wounded officers and men. Sir Gerald Graham’s later campaigns have been those of China 1860; (Medjidie) Egypt 1882; Eastern Soudan 1884; and Suakin 1885. Retired 1890. Son of R.H. Graham, M.D., of Eden Brows, in Cumberland, he was born on June 27th 1831,and died in his seventy-ninth year at Bideford, Devon, on December 17th 1899. WILLIAM HOPE (Lieutenant) 7th The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regeiment) Later Lieut.
–Col. City of London A.V. On June 18th 1855, our troops were forced to retire after the attack on the Redan. Lieutenant Hope, being informed by Sergeant Major William Bacon that an officer, Lieutenant Hobson, had been severely wounded and was lying outside the trenches, started off to search for him, and found him in the old agricultural ditch running towards the left flank of the Redan. He then went for assistance, and four men returned with him, but he saw the officer could not be removed without a stretcher, so went back across the open ground to Egerton’s Pit. Having been able to secure what he needed, he again faced the rain of bullets, carrying the stretcher, and was finally able to convey Lieutenant Hobson to shelter. During the entire accomplishment of his humane action, the fire from the Russian batteries was heavy and continuous. Colonel Hope, born April 12th 1834, is the son of the late Rt. Hon. John Hope. Educated at Hatefield and Trinity Hall, Cambridge. Besides the heroic act related above he is stated to have saved the lives of thousands of men on November 15th 1855, by his personal exertions and heroic bravery in extinguishing the fire in the roof of a magazine containing 160 tons of powder. He is the inventor of the Shrapnel shell for rifled guns and many other improvements in was material. PETER LEITCH (Colour Sergeant) Royal Engineers On June 18th 1855, during the assault on the Redan, Leitch behaved with great bravery. On approaching it with the leading ladders, he fearlessly tore down the gabions from the parapet, filled them with earth and placed them to form a caponniere across the ditch. In 1854, at Bomarsund, he had been noticed for his conspicuous gallantly, and was awarded the Legion of Honour. JOHN PERIE (Sapper) Royal Engineers Decorated for bravery in leading the sailors with the ladders at the storming of the Redan on June 8th 1855, the Gazette stating that his services on that occasion were “invaluable.” He afterwards rescued a soldier who had been shot and was lying in the open, although having he been wounded by a bullet in the side just previously. HENRY JAMES RABY (Commander, Now Rear-Admiral, C.B.) Royal Navy The Victoria Cross was deservedly awarded to this distinguished officer for his humane and brave conduct on June 18th 1855, after the attack on the Redan. A young soldier if the 57th Regiment was lying shot through the legs and exposed to the fire of the Russian batteries. On being informed of this, Commander Raby crossed over the open ground, about one hundred yards, and under a terrific fire carried the wounded man to shelter. They had the assistance of Lieutenant Edward Hughes D’Aeth, of H.M.S. Sidon, but this officer never reaped the reward he undoubtedly merited, as he died of cholera on August 7th following, Taylor, although awarded the V.C., never lived to wear it, for the reason stated in the record under his name, and Curtis died in 1896, so Commander Raby is the only living representative of the heroic act described. Rear-Admiral Raby, son of Mr Arthur Turnour Raby, of Llanelly, Carmarthen, was born September 26th 1827. After being educated at Sherborne School, he entered the Navy in 1842 as 1st Class Volunteer H.M.S. Monarch. Served for eleven months with the Naval Brigade in the Crimea, being promoted Commander for his services. In command H.M.S. Medusa and Alecto, West coast of Africa and during the attack and destruction of Porto Novo; promoted to Captain for meritorious services in those parts, where he was engaged in combating the slave trade, in the suppression of which his name has been prominently associated. Served in command of H.M.S. Adventure in China 1868-71, retiring 1877, since when he was devoted his time to charitable objects connected with the men of that branch of the Service of which he has been so distinguished a member. JOHN J. SIMS (Private, afterwards Sergeant) 34th
Regiment Decorated for his bravery on June 18th 1855, when after the regiment had retired from the attack on the Redan, he went out into the open ground, under heavy fire, and brought in several wounded who had fallen outside the trenches. PHILIP SMITH (Corporal, afterwards Lance-Sergeant) 17th
Regiment Decorated for his bravery in continually going out under heavy fire, after the column had retired from the assault on the Great Redan, and bringing in wounded soldiers. JOHN TAYLOR (Captain of the Forecastle) Royal Navy On June 18th 1855 after the great attack on the Redan, a young soldier of the 57th regiment had been shot through the legs and was lying in a terribly exposed position calling out for help. On their attention being called to the danger he was in, Commander Raby (V.C.), John Taylor, and Henry Curtis (V.C.) climbed over the breastwork of the advanced sap, crossed the one hundred yards of open ground, under terrific fire, and brought him into shelter. Taylor was justly awarded the Victoria Cross, but he never lived to wear the well-earned decoration, for he died on February 24th 1857, the very day on which his name appeared in the Gazette. CHARLES McCOORIE (Private) 57th
Regiment Decorated for bravery on June 23rd 1855, when he threw a live shell, which had fallen the trenches, over the parapet. JOSEPPH TREWAVAS (Seaman) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour On July 3rd 1855, in the straits of Genitchi, the shore being completely lined with the enemy’s troops and the adjacent houses filled with riflemen, Seaman Trewavas (one of the crew of H.M.S. Beagle) went forward under a heavy fire from only eighty yards distance and with great heroism cut the hawsers of the floating bridge. He was hit in the body at the moment of success, but the desired effect was accomplished and a means of conveying stores to the enemy completely destroyed. Lieut. Hewett, then only twenty-one (afterwards Admiral, V.C.), had given orders that the pontoon must be destroyed at all costs. The first attempt was at night, but was unsuccessful. On the return of the party to the ship, Hewett swore it should be done, if not by night, then by day. Under cover of a little paddle steamer with one gun, Trewavas started again n a four-oared boat. The “paddle steamer” fired one round and then the gun collapsed, remaining useless for the rest of the time. Rowing up to the “Pontoonm,” Trewavas leapt on to it and the hawswer, the Russians then realising what the little party of British sailors were doing, upon which they opened a terrific fire on them. “By coolness and pulling for dear life,” says Mr. Trewavas, “and by the Russians shocking aim we got back to the ship, the boat completely riddled up to the thwarts in water.” Born December 14th 1835, Joseph Trewavas joined the Navy, H.M.S. Agamemnon, in 1853. Was at the bombardment of Sebastopol, October 17th 1854, landing on the 23rd with the Naval Brigade. Took part from 1855, in all operations in the Sea of Azoff and was paid off May 22nd 1857. Has been awarded the medal for conspicuous gallantry. Was decorated with French Legion of Honour after Crimean War. Has now for many years followed the calling of a fisherman at Penzance, and at present, in spite of the wounds received from the Russians, is hale and hearty, but advance in years prevents him going to sea as often as before. GEORGE DARE DOWELL (Lieutenant, now Lieut. –Colonel) Royal Marine
Artillery An explosion took place on a rocket boat belonging to the Arrogant at the naval attack on the forts near Viborg on July 13th 1855. Lieutenant Dowell was at the time on board the Ruby. Springing into one of her boats, with three volunteers, he pulled to the assistance of the damaged boat’s crew, the Russians directing a heavy fire of grape and musketry upon them. In spite of this, Lieutenant Dowell rescued three men and took them on to the Ruby, and pulling back to the cutter, kept her afloat until she could be towed into safety. Lieutenant Dowell was born on February 15th 1831, at Chichester, and joined the Royal Marine Artillery on June 25th 1848; was promoted First Lieutenant October 6th 1851; Captain September 22nd 1859; Brevet-Major September 17th 1861; Brevet-Lieut. -Colonel April 23rd 1872. Took part in the action with the Russian batteries at Hangorhead, May 22nd 1854. During the Baltic Expedition 1855, was present at the actions of June 18th, 23rd and 30th, on which latter date thirty vessels were destroyed; at Lovisa July 5th, when the Government houses were burnt; and at the shelling of a Cossack encampment and destruction of their barracks on July 10th and 12th respectively. GEORGE INGOUEVILLE (Captain of the Mast) Royal Navy On July 13th 1855, the boats of H.M.S. Arrogant were engaged with the enemy’s gunboats and batteries off Viborg when the second cutter, being disabled by the blowing up of her magazine, commenced to drift under a battery. Despite a wound in the arm, and the terrific fire the boat was under, Ingoueville, without waiting for orders, leapt overboard, caught the cutter’s painter, and saved her. He died on January 13th 1869. JOHN SHEPPARD (Boatswain) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour On July 15th 1855, while serving as Boatswain on the St. Jean d’ Acre, Mr Sheppard went in a punt with an exploding apparatus into the harbour of Sebastopol in order to try and blow up a Russian line-of-battle ship. This service, described by Lord Lyons as “a bold one and gallantly executed,” was twice attempted. On the first occasion he contrived to slip past the Russian steamboats at the entrance to Careening Bay, but was prevented from going further by a long string of boats, which were carrying troops from the south to the north side of Sebastopol. The second attempt was made on the following day, from the side of Careening Bay, occupied by the French. He died on December 17th 1884. JOHN ROSS (Corporal, afterwards Sergeant) Royal Engineers On July 21st 1855. Corporal Ross displayed great bravery on connecting the 4th Parallel Attack with an old Russian rifle pit in front. On August 23rd, when in charge of the advance from the 5th Parallel Right Attack on the Redan, he placed and filled twenty-five gabions under a most severe fire from the Russians. On the night of September 8th he crept alone right up to the Redan and found the enemy had evacuated it, upon which he reported to his officer and out troops took possession of it. FREDERICK COCKAYNE ELTON (Captain, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) 55th (Westmoreland), 2nd Batt. The Border
Regiment On August 4th 1855, Major Elton was with a working party in the trenches, close up to the “Quarries.” The fire directed at them was terrible, making the work extremely dangerous, but taking a pick and shovel he boldly went into the open and began to work, stimulating by his fine example the men under his command. Son of the Rev. W. Tierney Elton, he became Ensign on January 19th 1849; Captain, November 1854; Brevet-Major 1855; followed by promotion to Brevet-Lieut. –Colonel, and Lieut. –Colonel commanding the 21st Royal Scots in 1866. JOHN COLEMAN (Sergeant) 97th
Regiment On August 30th 1855 the enemy made an attack on a new sap, driving the working party in. Coleman remained in the open, fully exposed to the enemy’s rifle fire, until all around him had been either killed or wounded, finally carrying one of his officers, who had been injured, to the rear. ALFRED ABLETT (Private) 2nd
Battalion Grenadier Guards On September 2nd 1855, a shell from the Russian batteries fell among a number of cases containing powder and ammunition. Ablett instantly seized it and flung it over the trench, whereupon it exploded. By his quick and courageous action, he saved the lives of all around him. Besides the Victoria Cross he was awarded the medal of Distinguished Conduct in the Field. He afterwards held the appointment of Inspector of Police, Millwall Docks, London, and died in February, 1897. His Victoria Cross was sold in London on March 20th 1903, for £62 JAMES CRAIG (Ensign and Adjutant) 3rd Battalion Military Train Formerly Sergeant,
Scots Fusiliers Guards On the night of September 6th 1855, when in the right advanced sap, in front of the Redan, Craig volunteered and collected other volunteers to go out under a heavy fire of grape and small arms to look for Captain Buckley, Scots Fusilier Guards, supposed at the time to be only wounded. With the assistance of a drummer, he brought in the body of that officer-whom he found dead and while occupied in this action was himself badly wounded. GEORGE STRONG (Private) 1st
Battalion Coldstream Guards When on duty in the trenches, in September 1855, Private Strong picked up, and threw aside, a live shell, which had fallen among the men. DANIEL CAMBRIDGE (Sergeant) Royal Artillery At the result on the Redan, September 8th 1855, Cambridge volunteered for the spiking-party, and though severely wounded continued inn the dangerous task. Later in the day he went out in front of the advanced trench and brought in a wounded man under very heavy fire, during which service he was himself badly injured for the second time. JOHN CONNORS (Private) 3rd
Regiment On September 8th 1855, during the assault on the Redan, Connors displayed great courage in personal conflict with the Russians. He also rescued an officer of the 30th Regiment who was surrounded by the enemy, one of whom he shot, and bayoneted another, and inside the Redan was noticed in personal combat for some time with the enemy. Selected by his comrades to receive the French War Medal. GRONOW DAVIS (Captain, afterwards Major General) Royal Artillery On September 8th 1855, at the attack on the Redan, Captain Davis was in command of the Spiking party, carrying out his dangerous duty with conspicuous coolness and bravery. Shortly afterwards he saw that Lieutenant Sanders 30th Regiment, was lying wounded, his leg being broken. Without hesitation he sprang over the parapet, twice crossing the open space swept by a murderous fire, and, procuring help, at length succeeded in carrying him to shelter. After this brave and humane action, he returned to the Redan and removed action, he returned to the Redan and removed several injured and dying men to places of comparative safety. Captain Davis, son of Dr. Davis, at one time house physician at St. Peter’s Hospital, was born at Bristol May 16th 1828. Educated by Mr. Exley, of Cotham, and at Bishop’s College (a school with preceded Clifton college), he passed direct into the Royal Academy, Woolwich, joining the royal Artillery, June 1847; became Lieutenant1848; Captain 1855; Major 1857; Lieut. –Colonel 1868; Colonel 1876, Major General 1881. Served through the Crimean War from July 6th 1855, including the siege and fall of Sebastopol and battle of Tchernaya, obtaining medal and clasp, 5th class Medjidie, Turkish Medal, and Brevet of Major. For five years was Inspector of the Auxiliary Forces of the Western District, and represented the Council of the Primrose League for many years at Clifton, where he died on October 18th 1891. TJOMAS EGERRTON HALE, M.D. (Assistant Surgeon, now Surgeon-Major, Retired) 7th the
Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) On September 8th 1855, Captain H. M. Jones (V.C.) 7th Regiment, had been severely wounded, and the men in the immediate vicinity had all retired expecting Surgeon Hale and Lieutenant W. Hope (V.C.) Hale, however, remained with the wounded officer and afterwards was conspicuous for his attempts to rally the men, assisted also Lieutenant Hope. On the same day when the soldiers had retreated into the trenches, surgeon Hale carried several wounded men from the open to the shelter of a sap, being under a very heavy fire during the entire time. Sergeant Charles Fisher of the same regiment nobly assisted him in his humane action. Born in 1832, Surgeon-Major Hale is the son of Mr. George P. Hale of Faddiley, near Nanwitch. He entered the army in 1854, and after the Crimean War served through the Indian Mutiny, 1857-9 CHARLES HENRY LUMLEY (Brevet-Major) 97th
Regiment On September 8th 1855, at the assault on the Redan, Major Lumley greatly distinguished himself, being one of the first to gain the inside of the work. He at once attacked three Russian gunners who were reloading a field-piece, shot two of them with his revolver, and was himself stunned by a large stone, but recovering quickly he drew his sword and cheered on his men, and while doing so was hit by a bullet in the mouth and most severely wounded. FREDERICK FRANCIS MAUDE (Major, afterwards General, G.C.B.) 3rd Buffs (East Kent Regiment) Knight of the
Legion of Honour When in command of the covering party of the 2nd division, Major Maulde, with only nine or ten of his men, all the rest is having fallen and he himself being severely wounded, dashed for a traverse, which he held, and only retired when all hope of support was at an end. Frederick Francis Maude, born December 20th 1821, died at Torquay on June 20th 1897; was the son of the Rev. Honourable J. C. Maude. In 1861 was A.A.G. at Gibraltar; commanded a division in India 1875-80, and the 2nd of the Khyber Force during the Afghan War, 1878-9. Retired 1885. ANDREW MOYNIHAN (Sergeant 90th
Regiment, afterwards Ensign 8th Regiment) At the attack on the Redan, September 8tth 1855, Moynihan, then a sergeant in the 90th Light Infantry, displayed great bravery. He himself attacked five Russians and killed everyone. Afterwards under a heavy fire he rescued a wounded officer who had fallen near the Redan. He died at Malta in 1866. ROBERT SHIELDS (Corporal) 23rd
Regiment On September 8th 1855 after the attack on the Redan, Shields volunteered to go out the front from the 5th Parallel, to bring in Lieutenant Dyneley, who had fallen wounded-mortally as it afterwards proved. WILLIAM HENRY THOMAS SYLVESTER (Assistant Surgeon, Now M.D,. L.R.C.S. Edin, L.S.A., retired) 23rd Regiment Knight of the
Legion of Honour On September 8th 1855, under a terrific fire, Surgeon Sylvester went out near the Redan, to where Lieutenant Dyneley was lying mortally wounded, and attended to him in that exposed and dangerous position. He was also specially mentioned in General Sir James Simpson’s despatch of September 18th 1855, for going to the front and attending to many wounded under very severe fire. He served in the Indian Mutiny and took part in the Relief of Lucknow 1857-8. JOSEPH KELLAWAY (Boatswain) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour In September 1855 in the sea of Azoff, near Mariopol, a small party from H.M.S. Wrangler landed in the middle of the night to destroy some boats, fishing stations, and haystacks, on the opposite side of a lake. The Russians were on the alert, and rushed upon them from their ambush, endeavouring to cut off their retreat. One of our men fell into the enemy’s hands, and the others had made good their escape, when one of them (Mr. Odevaine) accidentally fell. Kellaway, thinking he was wounded, at once returned to his rescue, and while lifting him, both were surrounded by the enemy. In spite of a gallant but hopeless resistance, they were captured. Commander Burgoyne V.C. stated that he was himself an observer of the zeal, gallantry, and self-devotion displayed by Kellaway on this occasion. Mr. Kellaway died at Chatham on October 10th 1880. GEORGE FIOTT DAY (Captain, afterwards C.B) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour During the Crimean War, in the sea of Azoff, Captain Day conceived the idea of landing at night, getting within the Russian lines at Genitchi and finding out the practicability of cutting out the enemy’s gunboats lying within the Straits, close to the town. Setting off quite alone, he landed and crossed four or five miles of swamps, often waist deep, penetrating eventually to within 200 yards of the enemy’s vessels. From the absolute stillness on board the boats he came to the conclusion that they were not strongly manned, and that therefore an expedition for the purpose of cutting them out was feasible. Retracing his steps, after seven hours hard work, he reached his ship. Next day, however, from unusual signs of activity in the enemy’s direction, it seemed that the surmises were incorrect, so he returned once more to again watch their movements. Passing through the same dangerous swamps, he reached his former place of observation and found, to his great disappointment, that the boats were all manned and ready for action, so he turned back, wandering through the swamps again for nine hours, and the idea had to be abandoned. The plucky nature of this act is the more apparent when it is mentioned that, while making a similar reconnaissance previously, Captain l’Allemand, of the French steamer Monette, had lost his life. The decoration worn by Captain Day in the portrait above is: - St. Jean d’Acre-Syria 1840; China 1841; Burmah 1852; South Africa 1853; Baltic 1854; Crimean and Turkish 1855; Victoria Cross; Legion of Honour; Order of the Bath (C.B.) and Medjidie. Promoted Commander, 1855; Captain 1861; he died at Weston-super-Mare, December 18th 1876. CHRISTOPHER CHARLES TEESDALE (Lieutenant, afterwards Major General, K.C.M.G.) Royal Artillery Knight of the
Legion of Honour On September 29th 1855, when acting as A.D.C. to Sir William Fenwick Williams, Bart., K.C.B., at Kars, Lieutenant Teesdale volunteered to take command of the force placed to defend the most advanced part of the works the key of the position-against the attack of the Russian army. The enemy had forced their way into the redoubt, whereupon he flung himself into their midst, and so encouraged the garrison by his splendid example, that, after a hard struggle, the Russians were driven out and the position saved from capture. During the crisis of the action, when the fury of the Russian fire was such that the Turkish artillerymen were driven from the guns, he rallied them, and, by his gallant conduct and leading, induced them to return to their post. He led the final charge, which completed the victory for the day, and afterwards, at a terrible risk to himself, flung himself among several infuriated Turkish soldiers and prevented them from killing wounded Russians lying outside the works. This marvellous act of humanity and courage was witnessed, and gratefully acknowledged, by the Russian Commander, General Mouravieff. Son of Lieut. –General H. G. Teesdale, he was born on June 1st 1883, entered the Royal Artillery 1851, and served as A.D.C. to Sir Fenwick Williams, at Kars and Erzeroun, in 1854. Was also Colonel in the Turkish army and received the second class Medjidie. Had been, since 1890, Master of the Ceremonies to the Queen. He entered the army in 1851, becoming Captain 188; Brevet-Major 1858; Major 1862; Lieut. –Colonel 1868; colonel 1877; and attained the rank of Major General on April 22nd 1887. He died at Bognor on November 1st 1893. JOHN EDMUND COMMERELL (Commander, afterwards Admiral of the Fleet G.C.B.) Royal Navy Knight of the
Legion of Honour On the night of October 11th 1855, Commander Commerell, accompanied by Quartermaster William Rickard and Seaman George Milestone, landed and destroyed 400 tons of corn and forage belonging to the Russians. He was at the time Commander of the Weser, in the sea of Azoff. The three men, waiting until darkness could cover their movements, rowed ashore and hauled their small boat across the Spit of Arabat, then traversed the Sivash to the Crimean shore of the Putrid Sea. In order to reach the magazine of corn, which lay distant about two and a half miles, they had to ford the Kara-su and Salghir Rivers, and, creeping to the stacks, they contrived to ignite them. The flames from the burning forage roused the Cossacks, of whom there was a guard of thirty in the vicinity, and these the three intrepid sailors to the shore. However, in spite of the heavy rifle-fire directed at them, they managed to escape and rejoin their ship. Admiral Sir Edmund Commerell, son of the late J. W. Commerell, of Horseham, was borne January 13th 1829, and died at Rutland Gate, Hyde Park on May 21st 1901. He served in South America 1846, the Baltic in 1854, and after the Crimean War, in China 1859-60, and Ashanti 1873, in which campaign he was dangerously wounded. A.D.C. to the Queen 1872-6; Naval Lord of the Admiralty; Commander-in-Chief on American and West Indian stations 1882; Portsmouth 1888; Admiral of the Fleet 1892; M.P. for Southampton, 1885-8. WILLIAM RICKARD (Quartermaster,
Royal Navy, now Chief Officer of Coast Guard, Knight of the Legion of Honour) On October 11th 1855, Quartermaster Rickard accompanied Lieutenant Commerell, V.C., commander of the Weser, to the Crimean shore of the Sivash, and his officer, in the following despatch, brought his gallant conduct on that occasion to the notice of the authorities.
“I must bring to your notice the excellent conduct of the small party
who accompanied me, more especially that of William Rickard, Quartermaster, who,
though much fatigued himself, remained to assist the other seaman (George
Milestone), who from exhaustion had fallen in the mud and was unable to
extricate himself, notwithstanding the enemy were keeping up a heavy fire on us
at the distance of thirty or forty yards as we crossed the mud.” THE PERSIAN WAR1856-1857 JOHN AUGUSTUS WOOD (Captains, afterwards Colonel) 20th
Bombay Native Infantry At Bushire, Persia on December 9th 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.) 3rd
Bombay Light Cavalry On February 8th 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 20th 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) 3rd
Bombay Light Cavalry At the battle of Khoosh-ab, on February 8th 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 14th 1902. THE INDIAN MUTINY1857-1859 (Including Okamundel and Kattywar-October 1859) GEORGE FORREST (Lieutenant) WILLIAM RAYNOR (Lieutenant) JOHN BUCKLEY (Conductor) Bengal Ordnance The troubles times of the Indian Mutiny brought to light many examples of bravery, devotion and self-sacrifice, but it was left to a little band of nine resolute men to perform the act which, of all the heroic ones of those days, will be the last to be obliterated by the hand of time. On May 11th 1857, the great Delhi Magazine, full of enormous stores of warlike material, was in charge of Lieutenant George Willoughby, Bengal Artillery, and with him were Lieutenants Forrest and Raynor, and six European soldiers. In the early hours of that day Willoughby was in the magazine when Forrest arrived with the Magistrate, Sir Theophilus Metcalfe, and informed him that the mutineers had crossed the river and entered the palace gates. Knowing well the value of the magazine to the enemy should they contrive to storm and take it, and how much to our cause could he but hold it, Willoughby resolved to defend it to the last, always with the hope that our troops at Meerut would soon arrive to his relief. There were many natives of the establishment of the magazine, but the officer saw they were not to be trusted, and he formed the heroic resolution with his eight British comrades to defend the magazine as long as possible against the enormous odds and then at last, when overpowered, to blow the building into the air with all its inflammable contents and themselves to die at their posts. Te gates were closed and barricaded, and guns were brought out, loaded with grape shot and placed so as to command the entrances. Should the enemy force their way in through these channels, their ranks would be torn to pieces by the point blank fire of the six pounders, and then if the little band should be overpowered, at a signal-pre-concerted by Willoughby- the entire place was to be blown up and any within its walls would perish. To this end a train of powder was laid from the outside to the magazine, Scully, with heroic resolution, undertaking the firing of the train, this duty making death a certainty for him should the signal be given.
Shortly afterwards a summons was brought from the King of Delhi, ordering
the surrender of the magazine. Contemptuous
silence was the only reply given, upon which the enemy, bringing ladders,
commented to scale of the walls, the natives in the establishment promptly
joining their friends the attackers. Thus
the resolute nine, left alone, faced Death with fearless hearts, and soon the
guns sent volleys of grape into the midst of the storming parties.
Gun after gun fired its rounds, served coolly and steadily, the heroic
gunners under a hail of bullets from those of the enemy who had now scaled the
walls. After a while the supply of
ammunition brought up from the magazine began to give out, and it was impossible
for more to be fetched, no one being able to leave the guns for that purpose.
Two of the gallant nine were wounded and the rebels were forcing their
way in now every side, so, true to his intention, and to his country’s cause,
Willoughby raised his hat-the signal arranged-John Scully applied the port-fire
to the train and with an appalling explosion, the magazine was blown into the
air, more than one thousand mutineers being killed. Of the nine heroic men, only four escaped; Willoughby and
Forrest joined a party of Europeans at the Main Guard in Delhi as to be almost
unrecognisable; the former being shortly afterwards in an encounter with the
mutineers. Raynor and Buckley,
taking different directions, eventually reached Meerut in safety.
The splendour of this achievement, the nobility of heart of those who
deliberately offered their lives in the furtherance of their country’s cause,
makes the Victoria Cross almost an insufficient reward.
But, added to that decoration, and to perpetuate the memory of the heroic
lives given for such a cause, a memorial tablet was placed over the gate of the
old magazine with the following inscription- On May 11th 1857 Nine Resolute Englishmen, Lt. Geo. Dorbree Willoughby, Bengal Artillery, In Command Lieutenant William Raynor. Lieutenant Geo. Forrest, Conductor G. William Shaw, Conductor John Buckley, Conductor John Scully, Sub-Conductor William Crow, Sergeant Bryan
Edwards, Sergeant Peter Stewart
Defended the magazine of Delhi for more than four hours against large
numbers of the rebels and mutineers, until the walls being scaled, and all hope
of succour gone, these brave men fired the magazine.
Five of the gallant band perished in the explosion, which at the same
time destroyed many of the enemy. This Tablet
PETER GILL (Sergeant Major) Loodiana Regiment On June 4th 1857, Sergeant-Major Peter Gill was at Benares, and the mutineers were firing the bungalows and killing the European inhabitants round that station. In company with Sergeant-Major Rosamond (V.C.) he made his way to the residence of Captain Brown and his family, who were in great peril and cut off from their friends, and by his noble exertions succeeded in bringing them all safely within the lines. He also saved the life of a sergeant of the 25th Bengal Native Infantry, who, having been bayoneted, was about to receive the coup de grace, when Gill hewed off the head of his assailant. On the same evening, with only a sergeant’s sword, he faced a guard of twenty-seven mutineers, and twice saved the life of Major Barrett, 27th Regiment, when that officer was attacked and in great danger of being overpowered. JOHN KIRK (Private) 10th Regiment On June 4th 1857, this soldier was associated with Sergeant-Major Rosamond (V.C.) and Gill (V.C.). When, on the outbreak at Benares the mutineers fired the bungalow and massacred so many Europeans, he and his comrades were able to rescue Captain Brown and his family, bringing them into the lines in safety. His Victoria Cross is in the United Service Institute, London. M. ROSAMOND (Sergeant Major) 37th Bengal Native Infantry On June 4th 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 25th 1903 for £54. CORNELIUS COGHLAN (Colour-Sergeant, afterwards Sergeant Major) 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment
(Now 1st Battalion The Gordon Highlanders) During the siege of Delhi, Sergeant Coghlan became conspicuous by his numerous acts of bravery. On June 8th 1857 at Budle-Ke-Serai, under a heavy fire, he entered a building held by the rebels in great force, and rescued from it Private Corbett, of his regiment, who was severely wounded. On July 18th 1857 he cheered and encouraged a party, which showed signs of hesitation in charging into a lane, which was filled with armed mutineers, not one of whom escaped. He then returned to procure dgoolies for the wounded, being the whole time exposed to a heavy crossfire. In this he also succeeded, receiving on the spot public praise from his officers for his chivalrous conduct. He was, until a few years ago, Sergeant Major of a Militia Battalion in Co. Mayo, Ireland. ALFRED STOWELL JONES (Lieutenant, now Lieut-Colonel) 9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers On June 8th 1857, at Budle-K-Serai, Delhi, the squadron commanded by Lieutenant Jones charged the rebels and, although they offered a stout resistance, rode straight through them, killing the drivers, and capturing one of their guns. With the assistance of Colonel Yule, he turned it upon a village, strongly held by the mutineers, and drove them out. Sir Hope Grant stated in his despatch that nothing could have been better done or more gallantly executed. At Agra, on October 10th following, Lieutenant Jones received no fewer than twenty-two wounds, part of his head being cut away, and one eye destroyed, in spite of which he recovered. Born at Liverpool, January 24th 1832, Lieut. –Colonel Jones is the son of the late Archdeacon Jones. Educated at Liverpool College and Staff College, Sandhurst, he entered the 9th Lancers in 1852. Throughout the siege of Delhi served as D.A.Q.M.G. to the cavalry, being there three times mentioned in despatches, and promoted Captain and Brevet-Major. Graduated at the Staff College 1861, served on the Staff at the Cape, 1861-7, retiring 1872. H. HARTIGAN (Sergeant) 9th Lancers At the battle of Budle-Ke-Serai, near Delhi, on June 8th 1857, Hartigan performed an act of special daring and devotion. During a particularly severe charge, Sergeant Helstone was wounded and fell from his horse, being quickly surrounded by the fanatical enemy. At the risk of his own life Hartigan cut his way through the press and carried his wounded comrade to the rear. On October 10th following at Agra, under circumstances of great bravery, he saved the life of Sergeant Crews, who was attacked by four rebels (who had crept into the camp), and though quite unarmed, Hartigan dashed for the nearest, wrenched a tulwar from his hand, hitting him a blow in the mouth with his fist, then turned and attacked the other three, one of whom he killed, and wounded the two remaining. He was, however, by that time so terribly wounded himself, that he was unable to continue the combat, and was obliged to retire on assistance arriving. THOMAS CADELL (Lieutenant, now Colonel, I.S.C.) 2nd Bengal Fusiliers (Late 104th
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 12th 1857, a vigorous attack was made, and the pickets of the 75th 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 75th 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 5th 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. THOMAS HANCOCK (Private) 9th Lancers this gallant soldier was specially mentioned by Sir Hope Grant, in command of the Field Force, for his courageous conduct on June 19th 1857. When that brave leader’s horse was shot under him at Delhi, Hancock remained by him and giving him his own mount, enabled him to be taken out of the hot corner the cavalry were in at the time. With him were Private Purcell (V.C.) and a Sowar, Roopur Khan. The former was awarded the chief of decoration, but the Sowar’s name unfortunately does not figure in the list of recipients. JOHN PURCELL (Private) 9th Lancers At Delhi, June 19th 1857, Purcell, with another brave lancer, Thomas Hancock (V.C.) and Sowar Roopur Khan, saved the life of Sir Hope Grant, by staying with him, offering him one of their horses, and getting him out of the melee when surrounded by rebel cavalry. Purcel’s horse was killed in the contest. SAMUEL TURNER (Private) 1st Battalion 60th
Rifles On June 19th 1857 when before Delhi, Lieutenant Humphrey’s, of the Indian Service, was mortally wounded, and had he been allowed to remain where he fell, he would have mutilated beyond recognition, a fate unfortunately too often met by many another soldier during that terrible time. Turner carried him to the rear on his shoulders under a brisk fire from the enemy posted around, and, at one time, even at close quarters. During his humane act he was severely wounded by a sabre cut. STEPHEN GARVIN (Colour-Sergeant) 1st Battalion. 60th
Rifles Besides being brought in prominent notice for his gallant conduct during the entire operations before Delhi, Garvin was specially noticed for his bravery on June 23rd 1857, when he; led a little party of men under a terrific fire to assault the “Sammy House,” a well-defended post which gave particular trouble to our advancing troops. After a sharp contest this hostile post was captured, chiefly by his noble example and daring conduct. JOHN McGOVERN (Private, afterwards Sergeant) 1st Bengal Fusiliers (Now Royal
Munster Fusiliers, 101st) Decorated for his great gallantry during the siege of Delhi, and for saving the life of a wounded comrade ion June 23rd 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.) 13th 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 30th 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 19th 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 25th 1903 and was buried at Frimley, Surrey. WILLIAM OXENHAM (Corporal) 32nd Regiment On June 30th 1957, on the same date as the disastrous battle of, and retreat from, Chinhut, Mr. Capper, an Indian Civil Service official, was buried beneath of a verandah, which had fallen. Corporal Oxenham, in spite of a tremendous fire from the enemy directed upon him for ten minutes, contrived to extricate Mr. Capper from his perilous position, and by his noble exertions saved his life. ROBERT HOPE MONCRIEFF AITKEN (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel) 13th Bengal Native Infantry “For various acts of gallantry performed during the defence of the Residency of Lucknow from June 30th to November 22nd 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 20th 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 25th, 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 26th 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 29th, 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 6th 1900. Colonel Aitken became Ensign in 1847; Lieutenant in 1853; Captain on February 18th 1861; Brevet-Major February 19th 1861; Major, September 1867; Lieut-Colonel August 1st 1869. He was son of Mr. J. Aitken, of Cupar Fife N.B., and was born on April 14th 1828. He went to India in 1847 and served with the Honourable Company’s 13th 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 13th Regiment Bengal Native Infantry in the Santhal Rebellion of 1855. Present in some skirmishes with the Santhals, and, assisted by Lieutenant Loughnan, 13th 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 13th N.I. throughout the Indian Mutiny in 1857-8. Engaged 1st. In action against the mutineers in Lucknow Cantonments on May 30th 1857. 2nd. In battle of Chinahut on June 30th 1857 3rd. Commanded, throughout the Defence of Lucknow, the whole of the Hondostanee Sepoys of the 13th 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.” 4th. Commanded in two sorties and was present in two others. 5th. Commanded the remains of the 13th N.I. (both Hindostanees and Sikhs) in the movement of retreat from the Residency on the night of November 22nd, 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 29th
to December 5th 1857, and at the defeat of the rebels on December 6th
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 13th N.I., and of the Baillie
Guard Post. First Extract from Despatches:
“Lieutenant Aitken, with the whole of the 13th 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 13th 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 13th 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. JAMES TRAVERS (Colonel) (Late) 2nd Bengal Native
Infantry On Jult 1st 1857, Holkar’s mutinous troops made a sudden attack upon Indore. Colonel Travers, with only five men, charged straight for the guns, drove the mutineers from their battery, and by his sudden attack gave time to the Bhopal artillery to man their guns. Many European fugitives were also, by the diversion caused by his gallant attack, enabled to escape from their pursuers, and these lives may be considered as owed to that officer’s brave initiative. His horse was shot in three places, and his clothing riddled with bullets. Colonel Travers, son of Major-General Sir Robert Travers, was born on October 6th 1820. Educated at Addiscombe. Served in Afghanistan 1840-42, at the operations at Zamindawar, capture of Ghuzni, action of Mydan served in Bhopal, and at Kullea Karee 1846. In 1856 served against the rebel Sunker Sing, receiving the thanks of the Agent to the Governor-General of Central India for his services. WILLIAM DOWLING (Private) 32nd Regiment This shoulder on three occasions, July 4th and 9th, and September 27th 1857, went out to spike the Sepoys guns. On all occasions he came under a very heavy fire, and was successful on the first and third attempts. His second was, however, unsuccessful owing to the spike being too small to be serviceable. 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 7th 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. SAMUEL HILL LAWRENCE (Lieutenant) 32nd Regiment This officer was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery during two sorties on different occasions, July 7th and September 26th 1857. Major Wilson, D.A.A.G., of the Lucknow garrison, reports, on the first occasion, to the effect that he himself was an eye-witness of the personal gallantry of Lieutenant Lawrence, who was the first to mount the ladder and enter the window of a house to discover whether or not a mine was being laid from it, during which act he had his pistol knocked from his hand by one of the enemy. On the second occasion, with only two of his men, he charged well in advance of his party and recaptured a 9-pounder gun. JAMES HILLS (Lieutenant, now Lieut. –General Sir James-Hills Jones, G.C.B.) Royal (Bengal) Artillery This distinguished officer was the second gazetted for the protracted and trying siege of Delhi, which was invested shortly after the outbreak at Meerut on May 10th, and only captured, on September 20th, after seven days of hard fighting, day and night. On July 9th 1857, Lieutenant Hills was placed in command of two guns of his battery in a specially selected and dangerous position to be ready at a moment’s notice to move to any given point in case of a sortie by the garrison, or to repel outside attack, or an attempt to raise the siege. Here this young officer, then hardly twenty-four, was attacked, frequently, by cavalry at close quarters, on each occasion defending the post more gallantly, being aided by his commanding officer, Major late Major-General-Sir Henry Tombs, V.C., K.C.B. The following is his own account of another incident on the same day, when the late Sir Henry Tombs, for which the latter was awarded the Victoria Cross, heroically saved his life. The official despatch of Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie to Brigadier Wilson reporting the bravery of Lieutenant Hills and Major Tombs is given in the record of the latter officer “I thought that by charging them I might make a commotion, and give the gun time to load, so in I went at the front rank, cut down the first fellow, slashed the next across the face as hard as I could, when two Sowars charged me. Both their horses crashed into mine at the same moment, and, of course, both horse and myself were sent flying. We went down at such a pace that I escaped the cuts made at me, one of them giving my jacket an awful slice just below the left arm; it only, however, cut the jacket. Well, I lay quite snug until all had passed over me, and then got up and looked about for my sword. I found it full ten yards off. I had hardly got hold of it when three fellows returned, two on horseback. The first I wounded, and dropped him from his horse. The second charged me with a lance. I put it aside and caught him an awful gash on the head and face. I thought I had killed him. Apparently he must have clung to his horse, for he disappeared. The wounded men then came up, but got his skull split. Then came on the third man-a young active fellow. I found myself getting very weak from want of breath, the fall from my horse having pumped me considerably; and my cloak, somehow or other, had got tightly fixed round my throat, and was actually choking me. I went, however, at the fellow, and cut him on the shoulder, but some cloth on it apparently turned the blow. He managed to seize the hilt of my sword, and twisted it out of my hand, and then we had a hand-to-hand fight, I punching his head with my fists, and he trying to cut me, but I was too close to him. Somehow or other I fell, and then was the time, fortunately for me, that Tombs came up and shot the fellow. I was so choked by my cloak that move I could not until I got loosened. By the bye, I forgot to say that I fired at this chap twice, but the pistol snapped, and I was so enraged I drove it at the fellow’s head, missing him however.” Lieut. –General Sir James Hills-Johnes, son of the late James Hills, of Neechindipore, Bengal, was born on August 20th 1833. After the Indian Mutiny he served in Abyssinia 1868, and the Looshai Expedition 1871; in 1880 was military Governor of Cabul; commanded the 3rd Division Field Force in Northern Afghanistan 1879-1880; took part, during Afghan War, in actions of Kurrum Valley, Charasiab, Padkoa Valley, and received thanks of Houses of Parliament for his services. Retired 1888. HENRY TOMBS C.B. (Lieut. –Colonel, afterwards Major-General K.C.B.) Bengal Artillery Lieut. –Colonel Mackenzie, in command of the Bengal Horse Artillery, mentioned this officer for his noble conduct before Delhi on July 9th 1857, when he twice saved his subaltern’s life, and on both occasions killed his assailants. The official account of his bravery, as reported by Lieut. –Colonel Mackenzie, is given below, and Lieutenant Hill’s own version of the incident is set out in the record of that officer. Despatch No. 40, Lieut. –Colonel M. Mackenzie, commanding 1st Brigade Horse Artillery, to Brigadier A. Wilson, Commandment of Artillery. “Camp near Delhi, “July 10th 1857 “Sir, - “It is with great pleasure I submit, for the information of the Brigadier Commandant, the following account of the very gallant conduct of Second-Lieut. James Hills, of the 2nd Troop, 1st Brigade Horse Artillery, and the noble behaviour of his commanding officer, Major H. Tombs, in twice coming to his subaltern’s rescue and on each occasion killing his man.
“Yesterday, the 9th inst., Second-Lieut. J. Hills was on
picket-duty, with two guns, at the mound to the right of the camp.
About eleven o’clock a.m. there was a rumour that the enemy’s cavalry
were coming down on this post. Lieut.
Hills proceeded to take up the position assigned in case of alarm, but before he
reached the spot he saw the enemy close upon his guns, before he had time to
form up. To enable him to do this
Lieut. Hills boldly charged, single handed, the head of the enemy’s column,
cut down the first man, struck the second and was then ridden down, horse and
all. On getting up and searching
for his sword, three more men came at him (two mounted).
The first man he wounded with his pistol, he caught the lanes of the
second with his left hand, and wounded him with his sword.
The first man then came on again and was cut down; the third man (on
foot) then came up and wrenched the sword from the hand of Lieut. Hills (who
fell in struggle), and the enemy was about to cut him down when Major Tombs (who
had gone up to visit his two guns) saw what was going on, rushed in and shot the
man and saved Lieut. Hills. By this time the enemy’s cavalry had passed by, and Major
Tombs and Lieut. Hills went to look after the wounded men, when Lieut. Hills
observed one of the enemies passing with his (Lieut. Hills), pistol.
They walked towards him. The
man began flourishing his sword and dancing about. He first cut at Lieut. Hills,
who parried the blow, and he then turned on Major Tombs, who received the blow
in the same manner. His second
attack on Lieut. Hills was, I regret to say, more successful, as he was cut down
with a bad sword-cut on the head, and would have been no doubt killed had not
Major Tombs rushed in and put his sword through the man.
I feel convinced that such gallant conduct on the part of these two
officers has only to be brought properly forward to meet with an appropriate
reward. Major Tombs was saved from
a severe sword cut on the head by the wadded headdress he wore (Signed) M. Mackenzie “Lieut.
–Colonel.” The following two references to Major-General Henry Tombs V.C., are made by Earl Roberts in his book, forty-one years in India. I “Henry Tombs, of the Bengal Horse Artillery, an unusually handsome man and a thorough soldier. His gallantry in the attack on the Idgah and wherever he had been engaged was the general talk of the camp. I had always heard of Tombs as one of the best in the regiment, and it was with feelings of respectful admiration that I made his acquaintance a few days later. As a cool, bold leader of men, Tombs was unsurpassed; no fire, however hot, and no crisis, however unexpected, could take him by surprise; he grasped the situation in a moment and issued his orders without hesitation, inspiring all ranks with confidence in his power and capacity. He was somewhat of a martinet, and was more feared than liked by his men until they realized what a grand leader he was, when they gave him their entire confidence and were ready to follow him anywhere and everywhere.” II
“On the 17th (September 1857) we were attacked from almost
every direction-a manoeuvre intended to prevent our observing a battery which
was being constructed close to an situated on a hill to our right, from which to
enfilade our position on the Ridge. As
it was very important to prevent the completion of this battery, Barnard ordered
it to be attacked by two small columns, one commanded by Tombs, of the Bengal
Horse Artillery, the other by Reid. Tombs,
with 400 of the 60th Rifles and 1st Bengal Fusiliers,
thirty of the Guides Cavalry, twenty Sappers and Miners and his own troop of
horse Artillery, moved towards the enemy’s left.
Tombs drove the rebels through a succession of gardens, till they reached
the Idgah, where they made an obstinate but unavailing resistance.
The gates of the mosque were blown open and thirty-nine of its defenders
were killed. Tombs himself was
slightly wounded and had two horses killed, making five which had been shot
under this gallant soldier since the commencement of the campaign.” Born on November 10th 1825, son of Major-General Tombs, Bengal Cavalry. Educated at Addiscombe. Served in Gwaklior Campaign at battle of Punniar 1843; Sutley Campaign 1845-6; as A.D.C. to Sir Harry Smith; present at actions of Moodkee and Ferozeshah, Budiwal and Aliwal; Punjab Campaign 1848-9, as D.A.Q.M.G. of Artillery, and present at actions of Ramnuggur, Chillianwallah and Goojerat. In the Mutiny was present at the siege of Delhi, battle of Nujjufghur, siege and capture of Lucknow, Allygunge, Bareilly, and Rohilcund Campaign, receiving C.B., V.C., and brevets of Lieut. –Colonel and Colonel. In every action he was mentioned in despatches in eulogistic terms, and was referred to by Lord Panmure in the House of Lords. Was in 1851 in command of the force at the capture of Dewangiri, when Trevor and Dundas so nobly won the Victoria Cross. On receipt of the news of his death, Lord Napier of Magdala, then Commander-in-Chief, issued the following G.O. : “The army of India will share with the Right Honourable the Commander-in-Chief the deep regret with which he has received the intelligence of the death in England of Major-General Sir Henry tombs, K.C.B., V.C., of the Royal (late Bengal) Artillery. The career of this distinguished officer is identified with the history of this country for the last thirty years. The decorations which he bore on his breast for Gwalior, the Sutley Campaign, the Campaing of the Punjab, the siege of Delhi and capture of Lucknow, and for the recapture of Dewangiri, in Bhootan, under his independent command, bore testimony to the conspicuous part he took in nearly all the more important military events that have taken place during that period. Appointed to the command of a division in 1871. Sir Henry tombs displayed all those attributes of a general of which his early career had given promise, and fully justified his selection for the high trust, which had been confided to him. Firm in the maintenance of discipline, courteous in his demeanour, strict and impartial in the exercise of his command, he acquired in a remarkable degree the respect, confidence and affection of all with whom he was associated. His premature death, which Lord Napier of Magdala so greatly deplores, has deprived the Government and country of an accomplished and devoted servant, the Commander-in-Chief of a valued friend and trusted lieutenant and the Army of a gallant comrade and one of its most brilliant ornaments.” JAMES THOMPSON (Private) 60th Regiment On July 9th 1857, at Delhi, this soldier saved the life of his captain (Wilmot) when surrounded by a party of Ghazees who had dashed upon him from a Serai. Before any assistance had arrived, Thompson killed two of the enemy. During the siege of Delhi, where he was wounded, his conduct was most conspicuous and he was elected for the award of the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Warrant. WILLIAM ALEXANDER KERR (Lieutenant) 24th Bombay Native Infantry The 27th 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 9th, 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. RICHARD WADESON (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel) 75th Regiment (1st
Gordon Highlanders) On July 18th during the action in the Subjee Munjee at Delhi, Lieutenant Wadeson saved the life of Private Michael Farrell by killing a sowar who had attacked him when wounded and lying on the ground. On the same day, Private John Barry, who had fallen, severely injured, owed his life to Lieutenant Wadeson, who came up and cut down a cavalry Sowar who was attacking him. After service in the Army as a non-commissioned officer, the late Colonel Wadeson rose to command the regiment. He died while Lieut. –Governor of Chelsea Hospital a few years ago. GEORGE LAMBART (Sergeant Major) 84th Regiment Mentioned by Sir Henry Havelock for distinguished bravery at Oonao, July 29th; Bithoor, August 16th, and Lucknow, September 25th 1857. ANDREW CATHCART BOGLE (Lieutenant, afterwards Major) 78th Ross-shire Buffs-2nd
Seaforth Highlanders Under Havelock on July 29th 1857, the gates of Oonao were blown in by the 78th. Bogle, then a lieutenant (fresh from recent victories in Persia), got together a few men and stormed a contested passage, opening a way for the force to advance. He and his handful of men, exposed to a most harassing fire, attacked a loophole house strongly held by Sepoys. This they succeeded in capturing, clearing it of the enemy. During the attack he was terribly wounded. After twenty-five years retirement, Major Bogle died in December 1890. He entered the 78th Highlanders as Ensign on December 28th 1849, and took part in the Persian War, 1856; was promoted Captain in the 10th Foot on august 31st 1858. DENIS DEMPSEY (Private) 1st Battalion 10th Regiment WILLIAM FRASER McDONELL, ESQ Bengal Civil Service Mr. McDonell was Magistrate at Sarun, India, and gained his Victoria Cross in the Mutiny on the same sate as Mr. Mangles, another Civil Service official. It was during the retreat of the relief force of Arrah that our little party had to contend against fearful odds and terrible hardship. In those times of peril soldiers and civilians alike lent their aid to suppress the revolt, and thus it is that brave deeds in action are recorded of those whose vocation in life was never intended to be combatant. Ever in the van, ever in any engagement where danger was greatest, Mr. McDonell handled his rifle with unerring aim, and did terrible execution among the Sepoys. He was standing by Dunbar when that brave leader fell, being splashed with his chief’s blood. Though he wounded, he still fought on, and reached the boats, when it was found that the mutineers had taken away the oars, and tied the rudders, rendering this way of escape for the moment impossible. The following is the official account of Mr. McDonell’s act as given by Captain J.W. Medhurst, 60th Rifles, previously of the 10th Foot. “On the ill fated expedition retiring from Arrah on the morning of July 30th 1857, and on arriving at the village and stream of Bherara, as is well known, the men, exhausted and dispirited, broke and made for the only six large country boats moored close to the right bank. After assisting some wounded men into the furthest boat, and being myself pulled in, I saw that Mr. McDonell, who was one of our number, was exerting himself with a sergeant to move the boat into the stream. It being discovered that the boat was bound to the bank, one or two men jumped out and loosened the rope, and the boat moved. Assisted by the less exhausted of my party, I was keeping up a fire Enfields on the enemy, whose musketry was very galling. Whilst so employed, I heard Mr. McDonell call out for a knife to cut away some rope, which bound the rudder to the right, causing the lumbering boat to veer round into the right shore again, and for a time causing it to stick fast. On looking round I saw him seated on the stern extremity of the boat in full view of the enemy and quite exposed to their fire. He cut away the mentioned rope, and guiding the rudder he, a fortunate breeze carried our boat across the stream, grounding at about ten yards from the left bank, whereby all those were alive were enabled to jump out and reach the steamer in safety. The number of men thus saved was about thirty-five; and during the passage across men were shot dead; one was mortally, and two or three slightly, wounded. I may safely assert that it was owing to Mr. McDonell’s presence of mind, and at his personal risk, that our boat got across on that day.
The following is an account of the affair written by Mr. McDonell and
published in the Times of 1857- THE DISASTER AT ARRAH “To the Editor of The Times. “Sir,-The columns of The Times have ever been ready to do justice to the gallantry and heroism which have been displayed by all classes during recent events in India, but in a letter signed ‘Indophilus,’ which appeared in The Times on the 24th of October, censure is implied on some who rather merit paise. In alluding to the abandonment of Chuprah and other stations by the civil authorities, in consequence of orders from Mr. Tayler, Commissioner at Patna, ‘Indophilus’ says- “Churpah was abandoned with somewhat more reason, because it was threatened by a strong party of Holmes Irregular Horse. Still, the flight was unnecessarily hastened, and had the Commissioner’s orders not given an excuse to the timid, it is probable the station would not have been abandoned.’ “The recent mail has brought the enclosed letter from Mr. William McDonell, Magistrate of Chuprah, and, as it contains the most graphic account I have seen of the disastrous expedition for the relief of Arrah and of the vacillation and mismanagement at Dinapore, which mainly caused the disaster, I think you may deem portions of the letter as deserving a place in your columns. As one nearly connected with Mr. McDonell, I can assure you that implicit confidence may be placed in the accuracy of every statement made by him; and I am sure that those who read this letter will feel that he is not justly liable to the imputation of having deserted his post of duty in the hour of danger. “Your obedient servant, “H. H. Lindsay “West Dean-House “Chichester. “Nov 3rd
1857.” “Chuprah, “September 3rd" “On the evening of the 25th of July, or rather in the middle of the night, a note came from Dinapore, saying that the troops were very shaky, but that Her Majesty’s 10th and the guns were ready for them. Next morning we got an official despatch from the Brigade Office, telling us that all three native corps had gone off in a westerly direction (this was at 11 a.m.), and that the 10th were after them. About half an hour afterwards we got a note from Daunt at Peiprah, an indigo factory about fifty miles north of Chuprah, that the 12th Irregular Cavalry had, on the 23rd, mutinied, murdered all their officers and their wives, and had then set off towards Sewan. He said he wrote on the chance of out not having heard it, though it had occurred three days before. On hearing this we held Cabinet Council, and determined that Chuprah was no longer safe. So Martin, Richardson and his wife set off at once; the doctor and his wife followed soon afterwards; and about 2 o’clock I was thinking of following them when I remembered that all my prisoners, owing to cholera having broken out in the gaol, were in the opium go-down. Now, as they could easily escape from there, I went and saw them all into the gaol. By this time everybody knew that the officials had bolted, and people seemed so alarmed that I determined on staying on a little longer. About 6 p.m. I got a note from Mr. Garston, asking if I was in the station, as he heard I was alone. He was returning from the district. I said I was, but I advised him to bolt; but, instead of that, he very pluckily came in and stayed with me. We rode the town, to show the people we had not bolted, and then came home, and went to bed without undressing; and we had our horses, saddled, standing all night at the door. About 12 o’clock that night I got a pencil note, not signed, but written, I saw, by Lynch, saying he had escaped from Sewan with his life, and that the cavalry were there. Early in the morning I got a second note, saying that the troopers had come down the Chuprah road searching for Lynch, and McDonell, the Deputy Opium Agent. About 10 a.m. I heard that the Dinapore mutineers had reached Arrah, and while in cutcherry, about 3 o’clock, a man on a pony came galloping in, saying that the cavalry were within ten miles of Churpah. I finished the case I was about, and I fear rather hastily, and then wrote home, and Garston and I agreed it was time to bolt, so we made a start for it, going through the town, and to the police station, and also to the missionaries to tell them we were going, and advising them to do the same. We rode down to Doreegunge, about eight miles, and saw the smoke of a steamer in the distance, so we waited until she came near. We found Martin and Richardson and the doctor on board, with a party of the 5th Fusiliers and some thirteen Sikhs. On hearing that the cavalry were on their way here, and that the rebels were at Arrah, all agreed it would be folly to go back with only thirteen Sikhs, so we got a party of the 5th Fusiliers to go with us, and we started off in boats for Chuprah, which we reached at 11 p.m. We went to the collector’s, and all assisted in packing treasure, and we started back for the steamer with some 90,000 rupees. If they had left me fifty men I would have stopped at Chuprah, but not with only thirteen Sikhs. As the men could not be spared, back we went, and on the way we heard that the Arrah people, consisting of my friend Wake, Officiating Magistrate; Littledale, the Judge; Coombes, the Collector; boyle, Railway Engineer, and some six or seven others, were besieged in a small bungalow by the three Dinapore corps. On reaching Dinapore I found that 200 men of the 37th Queen’s and fifty Sikhs had been sent to relieve Arrah, but unfortunately the steamer grounded, through treachery, I believe, on the part of the pilot. There the steamer lay quite close to Dinapore, and the authorities doing nothing. I went to the General and urged upon him that unless relieved soon the garrison must all be murdered, and that if he would send another detachment in boats I could show them another way to Arrah where the steamer was sure not to stick, and that I knew the road from the Ghat to Arrah. He said if I would really go with them he would send some of the 10th. Just then another steamer came in; it was agreed that all the passengers were to be landed and put into the church, and that 500 of the 10th were to stat at 3 next mornings. While making arrangements I got a note from Tayler, the Commissioner, saying he had heard I had volunteered to show the way, but that he could not spare me; so I at once got into a native cart at 10 at night, and drove to Patna, which I reached about half-past eleven p.m. I saw Tayler, and begged him to let me go, as humanly speaking it was the only way of saving the little garrison. At last he said that if the General really laid any stress on my going he would not object. He ordered his carriage, and I drove down with him and young Mangles, to Dinapore. It was then nearly 2 o’clock. We woke up the General, and he told Tayler that it was very important that I should go, as I knew the road and he would trust to me. By this time it was the hour fixed to start. We drove down to the steamer, and to my disgust found all the passengers still on board. There was great delay and squabbling, and at 5 a.m. the General said, ‘Oh, if there is not room in the steamer, never mind; the flat takes only 150 men. So all the others went back. This caused endless confusion. Colonel Fenwick would not go with only 150 of his men; he ordered Captain Dunbar to take the command. At last we got off and came up to the other steamer, got her flat containing 200 of the 27th, and fifty Sikhs, steamed on, and landed at Barara Ghat about 2 p.m. Of the disasters that befell us on that occasion you must have seen a long account, but it will give a brief sketch. About two miles from the Ghat there’s a river, after crossing, which you get on the public road to Arrah from Chuprah, a distance of about twelve miles. As I was not sure I should find boats, as we were in an enemy’s country, I offered to go on with a small party of Sikhs, and secure the boats while the Europeans had their dinner on the bank. So off Ingelby of the 7th Native Infanty, who volunteered, and commanded the Sikhs, Garston, and myself, with twenty men, went to the riverside. On reaching the river’s bank we found all the boats drawn up on the other side, and about 200 men assembled. They had four or five of those long native guns stuck on three sticks, and began blazing at us, whereupon two of our party said they would return for aid. We told them particularly not to disturb the Europeans, but to ask for the rest of the Sikhs, fifty being sufficient to dislodge the enemy. We immediately set to work and blazed across the river, and soon set all the fellows running. Two Sikhs then swam across, and got a small boat, in which Ingelby, Garston, and myself, with ten Sikhs, crossed. We were hardly across, when, to our disgust, we saw all the Europeans coming up at double quick, these fools having reported that we were surrounded; so the 10th came away without getting their dinners, or even a drop of grog, and had brought nothing with them. We all crossed, and by the time we were marching order it was 4 o’clock. Ingleby, Garston, twenty Sikhs, and myself formed the Vanguard; then came 150 of the 10th; then fifty Sikhs; and lastly 200 of the 37th Queen’s. We marched four miles all right, when we saw some ten or twelve horsemen in front. However, they galloped off before any damage could be done to them. The men got very footsore, and we halted at the Kaimnugger Bridge, about three miles from Arrah, at 10 p.m. and here we ought to have remained for the night, but, after stopping about half an hour, on we marched. I fancy poor Dunbar thought it useless halting, considering his men had nothing with them, and that it would be better to push on. What possessed us, I know not; up to this time we had made the Sikhs throw out skirmishes, but now we marched in a body Ingelby and Dunbar, who was talking to me, with about twenty Sikhs, some 200 yards in advance of the main body. After marching to within half a mile of Arrah, we arrived at a thick tope of trees, and the moonlight hardly showed through; in fact the moon was setting. Well, we had got nearly through, when, like a flash of lightning, all along our left side came one blaze of musketry, and then another, and a third volley. By the light the firing made we could see we were surrounded. We got behind the trees and tried to return the fire; Dunbar, myself, three of the 10th, and two Sikhs got together and blazed away. Foolishly I had given my powder-flask and bullets, etc., to a native to carry; of course he disappeared, and after firing off two barrels I was powerless; not for long, however, for the next minute we got a volley into us. I fancy our firing showed where we were. Poor Dunbar fell against me mortally wounded; I was covered with his blood. A ball hit me in the thigh, cutting it slightly only’ at the same time two of the 10th and one Sikh also fell. I immediately picked up an Enfield rifle belonging to the 10th man, and his cartridge box, and began blazing away. I then shouted out that Dunbar was killed; that the first officer in command had best give orders. This brought another volley on us, and another man dropped. We then tried to join the main body, and ran from tree to tree; the Europeans, seeing us coming, all Sikhs, nearly, thought we were the enemy, and fired into us, killing several; in fact, I fear as many of our men were killed by their own comrades as by the enemy. In the nigh it was difficult to tell friend from foe; and after having to dodge round a tree, you in the dark could hardly tell where your friends were, and where your foes. At last most of us got together and beat a retreat towards a tank, near which was a high bank; we got to the other side of this bank and lay there all night, the enemy firing into us every five minutes, and foolishly our men would return the shot. It was bad policy; it showed where we were, and we could not afford to throw away a single shot. Young Anderson, a very nice young fellow, of the 22nd Native Infantry, a volunteer, was standing behind the hedge; he was shot through the head, and jumped up like a buck-of course killed on the spot. About daylight we counted our forces, and found that we were about 350 strong, 100 missing; afterwards about fifty of these joined us, being concealed in a village close by; the rest were killed. We could see the enemy and tried to make out their number; there were the three Dinapore regiments drawn up in order, with bugles sounding the advance. About 2,000 men, with long matchlocks, belonging to and headed by Baboo Koor Sing, and more than 1,000 of the disbanded Sepoys who had managed to join him, and a large rabble armed with swords, spears etc., not formidable in themselves, but who made themselves useful, killing all the wounded, beating them like dogs. We tried to make the men charge, but they were tired, wet, and a great number wounded. My leg, from lying on the damp ground and from the bleeding, was so stiff I could hardly walk; however, I soon warmed up. Unfortunately, the doctor was one of the first wounded, and, though he did his best, he could not bind up the wounds properly. There were no dhoolies, so that the wounded had to march with the rest. Then commenced our retreat. They completely surrounded us, and fired into us all the way back-twelve miles; men dropping every minute, and some, badly wounded, were, I fear, left behind and killed by the enemy. By the time we reached the boats 100 must have been killed, and then commenced the massacre. The boats, which we expected to have been taken away, were all there, so with a cheer we all rushed to them, when, to our dismay, we found they had fastened to the shore, and had dragged them up out of the water and had placed about 300 yards off a small cannon, with which they blazed into us. (I forgot to say that all the way they pitched into us with four small cannon.) The men, to escape the shot, got into the boats, and, of course, as long as they were in them, it was impossible to push the boats off. So a number of men stripped themselves, throwing away their rifles and everything, and some of them managed to reach the other side. The wounded men, of course, could not swim, and some of us knew we could never reach the shore, so out we jumped, and managed to get two of the boats off; well, then we were at the mercy of the wind and streams, for not an oar had they left us. The wind was favourable, and we started off splendidly, when lo and behold, we gradually turned towards shore, and then I saw they had tied our rudder, so as to bring us in again. I told the men to cut it, but no one moved, and so I got a knife and climbed up to the rudder. It was one of those country boats, covered in except just as the stern. The moment they saw what I was at they blazed at me, but God in His mercy preserved me. Two bullets went through my hat, but I was not touched. The rope was cut, and we were saved; but about half way across we struck on a sandbank, and then the bullets poured in so fast that nearly everyone jumped overboard. One young officer jumped over as he was, with his sword on, and down he went; another, Ingelby, was shot in the head, and either drowned or killed. I threw my pistol overboard; my coat I had thrown away early in the morning, as, being a coloured one, it made me conspicuous among the soldiers, who were all in white. How I swam on shore I know not, as it is not an accomplishment I am ‘dah’ at. When once on shore we were pretty safe, and 250 out of 450 reached the steamer alive. Since then nearly 100 more, from wounds, exposure, etc., have died, making a loss of 300 out of 450-the worst that has befallen us yet; nearly every one was wounded. Of the eight volunteers who went with the troops six were killed, two wounded, poor Garston badly, shot right through the body from hip to hip, myself slightly in two places, the thigh and on the shin, the latter cutting my trousers in two places, cutting two holes in a Wellington boot, and luckily only cutting a flesh wound. The eighth volunteer, young Mangles, John Lowis’s brother-in-law, was knocked on the head and stunned for some ten minutes. He had a great lump n his head, but the bullet did no more damage; it must of just glanced off. This account, I fear, is rather egotistical, but it is too late to alter it. I have since then been on another expedition in charge of 150 Sikhs, this second time as commander. We had not much fighting, but burnt several villages, more especially the village of Behara, where we were so awfully punished. It is just post time, so I must stop. Chuprah is, I trust, now pretty safe. Our only fear is from Lucknow; the bordering districts of Goruckpore and Azimghur have been deserted. The latter, however, is by this time occupied by 3,000 Napaulese troops, but in Goruckpore there is no one. A Lucknow man, named Mohamed Hassen, has made himself Chuckledar or Negrim to the King of Oude, and issues orders. He has some 8,000 men with him, but mostly rabble. One English regiment, or half a regiment, and two guns, would drive him out, whereas now they have to watch him. In another month the Mutiny wall is nearly over, I think. Lots of work left in punishing these brutes, but there will not be any fresh outbreaks. I trust Lucknow may weather the storm, but it is a near business. They have been entreated to hold out to extremities, and not to make terms. General Outram will relieve them if he can.” William Fraser McDonell passed into the Bengal Civil Service from Haileybury in 1850, and was Assistant-Magistrate and Collector at Sarun until 1857. After the mutiny he acted as Settlement-Officer in Shahabad till 1860, when he spent three years on furlough. From 1863 to 1870 he was judge at Nuddea and from 1874 to 1886 Judge of the high Court of Judicature at Calcutta, when he retired from the service. He died at Cheltenham on July 31st 1894. 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 29th 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 37th 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 14th 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 45th (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 8th 1859, which he received from the hands of Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle, On January 4th 1860. JAMES BLAIR (Captain, now Lieut. –General., C.B.) 2nd Bombay Light Cavalry During the night of August 12th 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 23rd 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 27th 1828. Entered the Army in 1844; became Captain 1857; Colonel 1873, and attained his present rank in 1894. JOSEPH P. H. CROWE (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel 10th Foot) 78th The Ross-shire Buffs (2nd
Seaforth Highlanders) The 78th were hotly engaged at Busherut Gunge on August 12th 1857. Here a redoubt was strongly held by the enemy from which they were firing heavily on our men. Preparations were made to carry the place by storm, there being no guns at hand, darkness setting in, and men falling fast. While marksmen played on the place to keep down the fire, the gallant Highlanders dashed forward, each man trying to be “first in.” Lieutenant Crowe, who outstripped all the others, won the race and, being followed by his men, in a few minutes the place was captured and the enemy scattered. Colonel Crowe, after being some years in command of a battalion of the Lincoln Regiment, died in February 1876.
CHARLES JOHN STANLEY GOUGH (Major, now General, G.C.B.) 5th 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 15th 1857, he saved the life of his brother, Sir Hugh Gough (V.C.), killing two of his assailants. On August 18th 1857, he led a troop of the Guide Cavalry in a charge against the enemy, cutting down and killing two Sowars. On January 27th 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 23rd 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 22nd 1903. Thus three members of one family hold the decoration. HENRY GEORGE BROWNE (Captain, now Colonel, Retired) 32nd The Duke of Cornwall’s
Light Infantry Decorated for his bravery on August 21st 1857, during the siege of Lucknow in leading a sortie to spike two heavy guns, which were causing great havoc to our defences. He was the first to enter the battery which was protected by high palisades, the embrasures being closed with sliding shutters, which he most courageously removed, and attacked the gunners killed, and the two guns were spiked. Colonel Browne, son of Mr Arthur Browne, Newton, Roscommon, was born in Ireland in 1830. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin. Gazetted to 32nd Light Infantry in 1855. Mentioned repeatedly in despatches during the Mutiny, apart from the act described above, and promoted to a company for his meritorious services. JOHN DIVANE (Private) 1st Battalion 60th
Rifles Elected by the privates of his regiment under Rule 13 of the Warrant, for his distinguished conduct at Delh, September 10th 1857, when he headed a charge made by the Beloochee and Sikh troops upon the enemy’s trenches. Followed closely by the native troops, he jumped from our trenches and, making straight for the enemy’s breast-works, was shot down when within a few yards of the goal. PATRICK GREEN (Private, afterwards Colour-Sergeant) 75th Regiment On September 11th 1857, Patrick Green performed an act of daring for which he was, in the name of the Queen, awarded the decoration almost on the spot by the Commander-in-Chief in India, an occurrence most rare and only found in one other instance, viz., that of Patrick Carlin. The General Order, being almost unique, is copied verbatim-
“Headquarters, Allahabad July 28th 1858.
The Commander-in-Chief in India is pleased to approve that the under
mentioned soldier he presented, on the name of Her Most Gracious Majesty, with a
medal of the Victoria Cross for valour and daring in the field, viz.- “Private Patrick Green, “Her Majesty’s 75th Foot, for having on September 11th 1857, when the picquet at the Koodsia Bagh at Delhi was hotly pressed by a large body of the enemy, successfully rescued a comrade who had fallen wounded as a skirmisher. “(Signed) C. Campbell, General, Commander-in-Chief,
East Indies. WILLIAM SUTTON (Bugler) 1st Battalion 60th
Rifles
Elected by the privates of his regiment under Rule 13 of the warrant, for
his brave conduct at Delhi, September 13th 1857, the day before the
great assault, when he volunteered to make a reconnaissance to ascertain the
state of the breach. Throughout the
operations of the siege his behaviour was most noticeable, especially on August
2nd, when, seeing a bugler of the enemy during the attack about to
sound an order, he rushed forward and killed him before he could carry out his
purpose. THE INDIAN MUTINY DUNCAN CHARLES HOME (Lieutenant) Bengal Engineers PHILIP SALKELD (Lieutenant) Bengal Engineers JOHN SMITH (Sergeant) Bengal Sappers and Miners ROBERT HAWTHORNE (Bugler) 52nd 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 14th 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 14th September to die on October 1st 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 60th 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 52nd
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.” ALFRED SPENCER HEATHCOTE (Lieutenant) 60th Rifles Lieutenant Alfred Spencer Heathcote was elected by the officers of his regiment under rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant, for his daring conduct during the siege of Delhi from June to September 1857, during which he was wounded. He volunteered for services of extreme danger, especially during the terrible six days of the assault by our troops, when such severe fighting took place in the streets of the city. He was born in London March 29th 1832. J. McGUIRE (Sergeant) 1st European Bengal Fusiliers On September the 14th 1857, during the great assault on Delhi, the brigade had reached the Cabul Gate and the 1st Fusiliers and the 75th Regiment with many Sikhs were awaiting orders, while ammunition was being served out for the various regiments. From some unaccountable cause, five boxes of ammunition caught fire, three of which exploded, and the two remaining were fully alight when sergeant McGuire and Drummer M. Ryan (V.C.) dashed for them, and one after the other flung them over the parapet into the water. At the explosion of the first three, soldiers and natives in the vicinity rushed about, not knowing where it had taken place, and they were running towards the burning mass to certain destruction. These two soldiers, in risking their lives and by their brave conduct, saved those of all around them. M. RYAN (Drummer) 1st European Bengal Fusiliers This soldier was associated with Jogn McGuire (V.C.) on September 14th 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) 11th 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 18th 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. HERBERT TAYLOR READE (Surgeon, afterwards Surgeon-General) 61st (South) Gloucester
Regiment On September 14th 1857, during the siege of Delhi, while Surgeon Reade was attending to the wounded at the end of one of the streets in the city, the rebels established themselves in the houses overlooking him and commenced firing from the roofs. Seeing the precarious position of affairs, he drew his sword and, calling upon the few available soldiers near at hand to follow, succeeded under a heavy fire in dislodging the enemy from their position. His brave little consisted of only ten men, of whom two were killed and six wounded during the encounter. On September 16th, at the assault of Delhi he was one of the first up at the breach in the magazine, and on this occasion, with a sergeant of the 61st Regiment, spiked the enemy’s guns. Surgeon-General Reade, son of the late Colonel G. H. Reade, Canadian Militia was born in 1828. Principal Medical Officer, Southern District 1886, retiring in 1887. Died at Bath in June 1897 aged 68. ROBERT HAYDON SHEBBEARE (Brevet-Captain) 60th Bengal Native Infantry On September 14th 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. HENRY SMITH (Lance Corporal) 52nd Regiment Mentioned in General Order of Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, K.C.B., for his gallantry on September 14th 1857, when, through a murderous fire of grape, he carried a wounded comrade from the Chandin Chouk. Henry Smith died some years ago, and his Victoria Cross was sold in July 1896, for £70. GEORGE WALLER (Colour-Sergeant) 1st Battalion 60th
Rifles Elected by the non-commissioned officers of his regiment under Rule 13 of the Warrant, for conspicuous gallantry before Delhi, when he charged and captured the enemy’s guns near the Cabul Gate, on September 14th 1857; and again, four days later, when the Sepoys made a most determined attack on a gun near the Chandian Chouk, his conduct was partially noticeable. GEORGE ALEXANDER RENNY (Captain, afterwards Major General) Royal (Bengal) Horse Artillery On September 16th 1857, after our capture of the Delhi magazine, the enemy made a very determined attack upon the post, and was kept up with great violence for a considerable time. Under cover of a heavy crossfire from the high houses on the right flank of the magazine, from Selinhur and the palace, the enemy advanced to the high wall and endeavoured to fire the thatched roof. In this they partially succeeded, but a soldier of the Belooch Battalion extinguished it. On repeating the attempt, which was more successful, Captain Renny, with the greatest courage, mounted to the top of the wall of the magazine and flung several shells with lighted fuses into the midst of the enemy, which had a most beneficial effect, as the attack almost at once became less severe at that point, and shortly afterwards entirely ceased. General Renny, Born in 1827 was educated at Addiscombe, obtaining his commission in June 1844. Served through Sutlej Campaign, present at battle of Sobraon. He died at Bath on January 5th 1887. EDWARD TALBOT THACKERAY (Lieutenant, now colonel, K.C.B.) Royal (Bengal) Engineers On September 16th 1857 fire broke out in a shed in the Delhi magazine in which large quantities of ammunition were lying about. Lieutenant Thackeray, although under a heavy fire from the Sepoys, and not withstanding that the flames were all round the combustible stores, most daringly rushed in, and, by his exertions, contrived to extinguish them. Colonel Sir Edward Thackeray, son of the Rev. Francis Thackeray, first cousin of Thackery the novelist, was born on October 19th 1836, educated at Marlborough and Addiscombe, and entered the R.E. in 1854. Served in Afghan War 1879. Promoted Captain 1865; Major 1872, Lieut. –Colonel 1880, Colonel 1884, and retired in 1888. Was from 1880 Commandant of the Bengal Sappers and Miners. PATRICK MAHONEY (Sergeant) 1st Madras Fusiliers On September 21st 1857, at Mungulwarm the 1st 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 RENNIE (Lieutenant and Adjutant, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) 90th Perthshire Volunteer Light
Infantry (2nd The Scottish Rifles) On September 21st 1857, during the advance on Lucknow by the force under Outram and Havelock, Lieutenant Rennie, under a heavy musketry fire, charged upon the Sepoy guns far in advance of the skirmishers of his regiment, and prevented the piece being carried off. Upon the arrival of support it was captured and used by us. On September 25th he again dashed ahead of his men, when advancing upon a battery, which was firing grape, and forced the enemy to abandon the guns. Colonel Rennie, when a young officer of the 73rd (Perthshire)-now 2nd Black Watch-served at the blockade of Monte Video 1846, and during the four following years, in the war against the Kaffirs, received special promotion for his distinguished service. He died at Elgin in August 1896 aged 75. ROBERT GRANT (Sergeant) 1st Battalion 5th
Regiment On September 24th 1857, some of the stiffest fighting of the Indian Mutiny took place at the Alumbagh, and during the action Private Devency was terribly wounded, his leg being shot away. Grant proceeded under a terrific fire to his friend’s assistance, carried him out of range and, with the help of the late Lieutenant Brown and some soldiers, contrived to bring him safely into camp. This gallant soldier’s name was originally gazetted on June 19th 1860, as “Ewart,” but corrected in the issue of October 12th, following. FRANCIS CORNWALLIS MAUDE (Captain, afterwards Colonel, C.B.) Royal Artillery Captain Francis Cornwallis Maude was in command of a battery in the force led by Outram and Havelock to the relief of the Lucknow Residency. His fearless behaviour under a most terrific fire of cannon and musketry was most noticeable on every occasion during that trying time, and his name was constantly mentioned in despatches. He was entrusted with the terrible duty of blowing the mutineers from the guns, when that drastic and frightful punishment was meted out to the murderers of our helpless women and children. Sir James Outram, in his report, referring to the splendid conduct of Captain Maude during the relief says, “This attack appeared to him to indicate no reckless foolhardy daring, but the calm heroism of a true soldier, who fully appreciates the difficulties and dangers of the task he has undertaken, and that, but for Captain Maude’s nerve and coolness on this trying occasion, the army could not have advanced.” Born in October 1828, Colonel Maude was the son of Captain the Honourable Francis Maude, R.N. After retiring from the service, was Consul-General at Warsaw from 1876 to 1886. He died at Windsor Castle, of which he was a Military Knight, on October 19th 1900. JOEL HOLMES (Private) 84th Regiment In the record of Captain F. C. Maude, V.C., mention was made of the terrific fire through which that gallant officer’s gunners had to force their way and work the guns, and when those in charge had been shot down, volunteers had to be requisitioned to carry on the work. One of these was Joel Holmes, whose conduct through the terrible ordeal was specially noticed in Major General Havelock’s Field Force Orders of October 17th 1857. JOSEPH JEE (Surgeon, afterwards Inspector-General, C.B.) 78th Regiment (Ross-shire
Buffs; 2nd Seaforth Highlanders) On September 25th 1857, when Havelock’s relieving column was forcing its way into Lucknow, Surgeon Jee displayed the greatest courage and devotion to the wounded that had fallen during the charge of the 78th Highlanders at the Char Bagh Bridge. He succeeded in getting them to some cots and by this means, as well as on the backs of his men; he was able to have them conveyed in the direction of the Residency until the dhoolie-bearers who had fled were collected and persuaded to carry out their duties. Later in the day, while still occupied in directing the conveyance of the wounded, he and his party were besieged in the Mote-Mehal by an overwhelming number of the enemy. Here he remained during the whole night and following morning, exposing himself freely to the hail of bullets while proceeding to tend the wounded who had fallen while serving a 24-pounder gun, in a most open position, and, by his endeavours and intrepid conduct, was enabled to get many of them safely into the Residency by way of the river bank through a heavy cross fire ordnance, although he had been repeatedly warned not to attempt the perilous task. Surgeon-General Jee was the son of Christopher Preston Jee, of Atherstone, Warwickshire, and joined the 1st Dragoons as Assistant-Surgeon in 1842, becoming Surgeon 1854. Served through Persian War 1857-8, including battle of Koosh-ab and bombardment of Mohammera; Indian Mutiny under Havelock in first relief of Lucknow Residency, and its subsequent defence, also taking part in the operations in Rohilkund 1858, and capture of Bareilly. After many years of retirement died at Queeniborough Hall, Leicestershire March 17th 1899. VALENTINE MUNBEE McMASTER (Assistant-Surgeon) 78th Regiment (The Ross-shire
Buffs; 2nd Seaforth Highlanders) On September 25th 1857, during the relief of Lucknow by Havelock and Outram, Surgeon McMaster behaved with conspicuous bravery and humanity, all night long exposing himself to the heavy fire of the enemy while bringing in, and attending to, the many wounded. HERBERT TALOR MACPHERSON (Lieutenant, afterwards Major General, K.B.C) 78th Regiment On September 25th 1857, Lieutenant Macpherson was with the force under Outram and Havelock, and, during the heavy fighting at Lucknow between the outskirts of the city and the Residency, to whose relief they were forcing their way, he led his men to the attack and capture of two brass 9-pounder guns, setting them an example of the heroic gallantry. He died in Burma in 1886. Major-General Sir H. T. Macpherson entered the army on February 28th 1845; became Captain October 6th 1857; Brevet-Major, February 1865; Brevet-Lieut. –Colonel 1867; Colonel 1871; and attained the rank he held at his death on July 1st 1882. He served in Persia in 1857, as Adjutant of the 78th, and in every engagement leading to the relief of the Residency, and was at the final capture of Lucknow. 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 25th 1857, when the force penetrated into the city itself. He charged on horseback with the 90th 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 8th 1822, and educated at Gracehill and Dungannon Schools, and Addiscombe Military College. Entered Bengal Artillery June 11th 1839; became Captain 1853; Brevet-Major and Lieut. –Colonel 1858; Colonel 1872; and General March 31st 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 30th 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.” HENRY WARD (Private) 78th Regiment (Ross-shire
Buffs; 2nd Seaforth Highlanders) On the night of September 25th 1857, during the advance of Outram’s relieving force into Lucknow, Captain Havelock (afterwards Lieut. –General Sir H. M. Havelock-Allan, V.C.) was severely wounded. He was placed in a hoolie and Private Ward remained by him all through the night, guarding it. The next morning Private Thomas Pilkington was wounded and took refuge in the same dhoolie. Ward escorted both men through a terrific fire of ordnance and musketry, keeping the bearers to their work by his exertions, bravery, and splendid example, finally succeeding in having both safely conveyed to the Baillie Guard. WILLLIAM BRADSHAW (Assistant Surgeon) 90th Regiment When, on September 26th 1857, the Lucknow Residency was reinforced (although not relieved) by Sir Henry Havelock, his troops forced their way into the beleagued garrison’s entrenchments, and many wounded had to be left behind in the city streets. Surgeon Bradshaw accompanied Sir Anthony Home, V.C., whose heroic conduct gained him the Voctoria Cross,, and that gallant member of the medical profession was conspicuous for his devotion in the removal of the wounded. In spite of the swarms of Sepoys around them keeping up a heavy fire, the dhoolie-beaers were prevailed on by this man to rally and return to their duties, and when his party of about twenty bearers became separated from the rest of our troops, his exertions and splendid example enabled the wounded under his care to be successfully brought into the Residency by way of the river bank. THOMAS DUFFY (Private) 1st 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 26th 1857, at Lucknow. Thomas Duffy died some years ago, and his Victoria Cross was sold in London on October 28th 1902 for £53. JAMES HOLLOWELL (Private) 78th Regiment (The Ross-shire Buffs; 2nd Seaforth Highlanders) On September 26th 1857, nine men were shut in and besieged in a house in Lucknow by the Sepoys during the advance of Outram and Havelock to the relief of the Residency. James Hollowell, one of the party, displayed conspicuous courage, exposing himself most bravely, and by his fine example prevailed on the men with him to keep up a splendid defence, in the face of terrible odds and fearful circumstances. The Sepoys set fire to the house, and crept near enough to shoot through four of the windows, but the little defending party held out until ultimately rescued. ANTHONY DICKSON HOME (Surgeon, now Surgeon-General, K.C.B.) 90th Perthshire Volunteer Light
Infantry (2nd Scottish Rifles) Sir Anthony Home was, then Havelock entered Lucknow on September 26th 1857, in charge of the wounded in rear of the column. The small escort left with him had been nearly all wounded, and the whole became separated from the main body. The few remaining men were forced to enter a house, which they defended till it was set on fire, upon which they took shelter in a shed which they held for twenty-two hours, till at length only six men and Dr. Home were able to fire. The four officers with him being all wounded, the command devolved on him. By his energy and example he stimulated all to action, and through him the defence was successful and the wounded eventually saved. Three of the wounded officers died soon afterwards, owing to the hardships they had undergone. Sir Anthony Dickson Home, V.C., K.C.B. (1874), was born in 1823. Entered the Army Medical Department in 1848. Served in the Crimean War; the Indian Mutiny; the China War of 1860; New Zealand Campaign 1863-5, and the Ashantee War of 1873; in the latter war he served as Principal Medical Officer, and held the same position in Cyprus during 1878-9, and to the forces in India from 1881 to 1885. Was promoted to Surgeon-General in 1880, retiring in 1886. PETER McMANUS (Private) 5th Regiment On September 26th 1857, McManus was one of the band of men whose bravery is described in the record of James Hollowell, V.C. He remained outside the house in which the party were shut up, and from behind a pillar kept up a most telling fire on Sepoys, thereby preventing their making a rush on the building. With Private John Ryan, V.C., he rushed into the street under a terrific fire and carried in Captain Arnold, 1st Madras Fusiliers, who received another wound while being taken into the house. After serving through the Mutiny this gallant soldier of smallpox at Allahabad in 1859. STEWART McPHERSON (Colour-Sergeant) 78th Regiment (The Ross-shire
Buffs; 2nd Seaforth Highlanders) On September 26th 1857, at the relief of the Lucknow Residency, one of out men was lying badly wounded, in a most exposed situation, under a very heavy fire. McPherson rushed out and, with great coolness, under a storm of bullets, lifted him up and carried him into safety. He was also distinguished in many other occasions by his daring, and gallantry in action.
JOHN RYAN (Private) 1st Madras Fusiliers On September 26th 1857, John Ryan was associated with Surgeon Home and Privates Ghollowell and McManus in their heroic stand at a small house in which they were defending the wounded under their care. Ryan was particularly conspicuous for his daring rescue of many wounded from the dholies into which the mutineers were firing and some of which they set on fire. Many lives were owed that day to his bravery. J. THOMAS (Bombardier) 4th Company 1st
Battalion Bengal Artillery On September 27th 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. THE HONBLE AUGUSTUS HENRY ARCHIBALD ANSON (Captain) 84th Regiment On September 28th 1857, at Boolundshuhur, the conduct of this officer was specially distinguished. The 9th Light Dragoons had charged through the town, and, on reaching the serai, commenced to reform their ranks. To prevent them making their way out, the enemy blocked the entrance by drawing their carts across the gateway, on seeing which Captain Anson dashed out and, with a lance knocked the drivers over. Suffering at the time from a severely wounded hand, he was unable to control his horse, which carried him into the middle of the enemy’s ranks, and although fired at by them with a volley, a bullet passing through his coat, he contrived to make his way out without further mishap. On November 16th following, at the assault of the Secundrabagh, he was one of the foremost of the storming party, being slightly wounded and having his horse shot under him. Major-General Sir Hope Grant referred to him in his despatch of August 12th 1858, saying “He has shown the greatest gallantry on every occasion and has slain many enemies in fight.” ROBERT BLAIR (Lieutenant) 2nd Dragoon Guards Major-General Sir James Hope Grant, K.C.B., brought this officer’s gallant conduct forward in his despatch of January 10th 1858. He states that at Boolundshuhur, on September 28th 1857, Lieutenant Blair was ordered to take a sergeant and twelve men to bring in a deserted ammunition wagon. On his nearing the wagon, about sixty of the enemy’s horsemen, who had been unobserved up to that time, swooped down upon them, but Lieutenant Blair, taking no thought of the heavy odds he had to face, led his little party against the oncoming troop and fought his way through them, killing four of them with his own hand. Not one of his men was killed, and his skilful leadership safely brought all back to camp, although he himself was most severely by a native officer, whom he had run through with his sword. The natives turned and slashed at Lieutenant Blair, the blow nearly severing the joint of his shoulder. BERNARD DIAMOND (Sergeant) Bengal Horse Artillery Major Turner, Bengal Horse Artillery, mentioned the gallantry of this soldier in his despatch of October 2nd 1857. At Boolundshuhur, on September 28th 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. P. DONOHOF (Private) 9th Lancers On September 28th 1857, at Boolundshuhur, during the charge in which Lieutenant Robert Blair (V.C.) so gallantly distinguished himself, Donohoe was greatly instrumental in assisting his officer in returning to camp after going to his support when so terribly wounded. RICHARD FITZGERALD (Gunner) Bengal horse Artillery Associated with Sergeant Diamond (V.C.), in an act of determined bravery at Boolundshuhur, September 28th 1857, as recorded in the sketch of that soldier. ROBERT KELLS (Lance Corporal) 9th Lancers On September 28th 1857, at Boolundshuhur, Captain Drysdale’s horse was shot, and he was thrown heavily, breaking his collarbone. Kells, dashing to his rescue, kept the enemy at bay until help arrived, and was the means of saving him from certain death. The portrait of this gallant lancer shows him in the uniform of the Yeoman of the Guard, in which corps he is still serving. In July 1901 was presented with the Royal Victorian Medal by H.M. The King. J. R. ROBERTS (Private) 9th Lancers Decorated for conspicuous gallantry and devotion at Boolundshuhur, September 28th 1857, when, under a most galling fire, he brought a wounded comrade through the streets, being himself badly injured during his humae act. JOHN CHARLES CAMPBELL DAUNT (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut, -Colonel) 11th (Late 70th)
Bengal Native Infantry Decorated for conspicuous courage at Chota Behar, on October 2nd 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 2nd 1857, when he pursued the mutineers of the 32nd 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. DENIS DYON (Sergeant) 53rd Regiment Associated with Lieutenant J. C. C. Daunt, V.C., in heroically dashing at end capturing two guns from the mutineers of the Ramgurgh battalion on October 2nd 1857, at Chota Behar. PATRICK McHALE (Private) 1st Battalion 5th
Regiment Decorated for conspicuous bravery at Lucknow, October 2nd 1857, when, at the capture of the guns of the Cawnpore Battery, he was the first man to arrive. On December 22nd following he was again the first in another battery which was assaulted, and its guns, which had poured grape into our advancing columns, captured. The Gazette stated that “upon every occasion of attack McHale had been the first to meet the enemy, amongst whom he caused such consternation by his terrific onslaught that little work was left to his comrades coming up behind. His habitual coolness, daring and sustained bravery in action, has rendered his name a household word for gallantry among his comrades.” The following account of McHale’s career, copied from the Regimental Records, was given to the author some year’s ago- “No. 2626, ‘Pat’ McHale, as he was generally called, enlisted for the 5th Fusiliers on December 18th 1847. He was then twenty-one years old, and joined the depot at Parkhurst Barracks, Isle of Wight.
“Having passed his recruit’s drill he embarked for Foreign Service on
board the Lady Edmondsbury, and sailed from Cowes on the following 8th
of May for the Island of Mauritius. At
this time McHale was a most powerful man, standing about six feet two inches,
and with square shoulders and chest in proportion; he is what we call a ‘fine
soldier.’ His complexion was fair, hair sandy, and his face much
freckled. Pat was no scholar; he
could neither read nor write. “Landing at the Mauritius on August 19th 1848, Pat served nine years in that beautiful island, doing his duty as a good and steady soldier. “Arriving with the headquarter of the regiment in India in 1857, he proceeded with his company towards the North-Western Provinces and was at the relief of Arrah and the operations in the Jugdeespore district. “On September 3rd, Pat with his detachment rejoined the headquarter at Allhabad and marched with it on the 5th towards Cawnnpore. Proceeding with Havelock’s column for the relief of Lucknow Residency, he was present at the Battle of Mungulwar, the capture of the Alumbagh, and the first relief of Lucknow on September 25th. In these actions Pat was always to the front, and, without fear for himself, performed valorous deeds with his bayonet, when the Sepoys would allow him to get near enough. “We have now arrived at the period when the regiment was besieged for nearly two months in the Lucknow Residency. McHale shared cheerfully the hardships and privations of that time and took part in the various sallies made for the purpose of capturing guns from the enemy and clearing the surrounding houses and other obstacles too closely situated, which gave shelter to the mutineers. On October 2nd, at the capture of the Cawnpore Battery, he was the first man to leap into the embrasure, and he bayoneted some of the Sepoy gunners. “On being relieved by Sir Colin Campbell in November the regiment was encamped at the Alumbagh, and was attacked to the 1st Brigade of Sir James Outram’s force. Their McHale found plenty of hard piquet duties, besides being almost constantly harassed by attacks of the enemy, but it was not until December 22nd that an opportunity occurred for the display of his undaunted courage. “Sir James Outram, through the medium of his spies, had heard that the mutineers were about to attack him in great force. In order to defeat this purpose he, in the dead of the night, left his camp standing, and with the greater part of his force proceeded to surprise the enemy, who was bivouked some two or three miles off in a village. Marching slowly in dead silence, and with unmeasured and broken tread, the force reached a mosque, where a halt was made. At break of day Outram in a loud voice ordered the ‘advance’; the enemy’s vedettes fired their carbines and bolted. Colonel Guy (5th Fusiliers) ordered the double, and, as the regiment cleared the street and issued into open space, it formed line. While this movement was being completed a gun belonging to the Sepoys situated in a tope, about 100 yards in front, was firing grape into it, and independent firing commenced as the companies formed up. No sooner was the regiment in line than the colonel gave the command to; charge’, and away it went with a cheer as a steady double. Here the first gun was captured on that day by Captain Bigge (now Major-General Bigge, retired). The enemy had bolted, leaving one gun behind them. The regiment then pursued the enemy. Our men advanced so rapidly that they drove everything before them, and the Sepoys did not do anything but run away. The enemy, however, opened fire upon them with artillery from the village of Guilee, where their main body was stationed. Our skirmishes quickly pushed the rebels through the village. They had just loaded a gun, which they had discharged at us, but they fled without stopping to fire it, for they could not force on the bullocks quickly enough to get away. The gallant McHale, one of the finest and bravest of our men (where many were fine and themselves brave), was down upon them, followed by others who were not quick as he. With a stroke from the butt of his rifle he turned the bullocks round, then set the gun and fired into the rebels the charge they had loaded it with. “For this act, together with his bravery at the ‘Cawnpore Battery,’ he was unanimously elected by his comrades as one of the candidates for the V.C. The number of these decorations to be given to the regiment was limited to three, but there were others that deserved the distinction; their comrades elected the three fortunate recipients. “McHale was at the final capture of Lucknow and also in the Campaign in Oude in 1858-9. During all this time he was never absent from his duty for a single day, and it is almost wonderful to relate that he escaped without a single scratch. “Returning to England in 1861m he served with the regiment until it embarked for India in 1866, when he was sent with the rest of the old soldiers to Shorncliffe to form the regimental depot. “In addition to having the Victoria Cross he was in possession of the Indian Mutiny medal with clasps for the ‘Defence of Lucknow,’ and ‘Lucknow,’ the good conduct medal and the regimental medal of merit. He died at Shorn Cliffe on October 26th 1866, and a stone erected by his comrades marks the spot where rests the remains of as good and plucky a soldier as ever served in the ranks of the Fighting Fifth.” JOHN SINNOTT (Lance-Corporal, afterwards Corporal) 84th (York and Lancaster)
Regiment On October 6th 1857, at Lucknow, Lieutenant Gibaut went several times, carrying water, to extinguish a fire which had occurred in a breastwork, and he was accompanied by Lance-Corporal Jogn Sinnott on almost every fell mortally wounded, upon which Sinnott, together with Sergeants Glinn and Mullins, and Private Mullins, went out, and carried him into shelter under a heavy fire. He was twice wounded during the performance of this act, and was elected by his fellow-soldiers to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Warrant. He died at Livingstone Road, Clapham on July 20th 1896, aged 63. DIGHTON MACNAGHTEN PROBYN (Captain, now General, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.S.I., P.C.) 2nd Punjaub Cavalry General Sir Hope Grant, K.C.B., in his despatch dated January 10th 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 21st 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. J. FREEMAN (Private) 9th Lancers At Agra, on October 10th 1857, Lieutenant Jones had been shot and severely wounded. Freeman, dashing to his officer’s assistance, killed the leader of the enemy’s cavalry and kept at bay the Sepoys surrounding him. His Cross in the United Service Institute, London. JAMES MILLER (Conductor, afterwards Hon. Major) Ordnance Department, Bengal On October 28th 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 38th 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. THOMAS HERNY KAVANAGH Assistant-Commissioner in Oude Although the garrison of the Residency of Lucknow was reached on September 26th 1857, after hard fighting by the force under Outram and Havelock, it was not actually relieved until Sir Colin Campbell’s force succeeded in fighting its way through the strongly held positions of the enemy a few weeks later. Outram and Havelock, owing to their loss in killed and wounded, were only able to form a reinforcement of the beleaguered garrison, being too weak to bring away the many wounded and the women and children. When Sir Colin Campbell’s force was approaching the city Mr. Kavanagh determined to attempt to pass through the Sepoy lines, and reach him, in order to place at his disposal his own intimate knowledge of the city and the enemy’s position. Mr. Kavanagh’s own account of his adventures on the night of November 9th gives an idea of the terrible perils he had to face, but does not make sufficiently clear the invaluable service to his country which resulted from his superhumanly heroic action. Oude was annexed in 1856, and by 1857 there were no plans of Lucknow to show Colin Campbell the intricacies of the streets. Outram and his gallant men had to force their way through miles of narrow lanes to reach the Residency, and as every yard of the way was fiercely contested great loss of life before the object was attained. Mr. Kavanagh was not only able to bring Outram’s plans for concerted action between the Residency and the relieving force, by his own intimate knowledge of the city, was able to guide the columns by a different route from what originally intended and, avoiding the city streets, reached the Residency way of the Dilkoosha Park. By this means much fighting in the well-defended narrow lanes was avoided, and therefore the relief was attained with the loss of many less lives. The indomitable courage of Mr. Kavanagh places his name among the most worthy recipients of the decoration, and there can be none who remember the terrible times of the Indian Mutiny but will be glad that the Victoria Cross Warrant was altered to enable the list to include the name of “Lucknow Kavanagh,” the second of three “civilians” who have been similarly rewarded. Thomas Henry Kavanagh was born at Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, in 1820, and went to India in 1839. He was a Member of the Punjab Commission and went to Lucknow with Sir James Lawrence. He retired in 1875 as First Grade Deputy Commissioner, and died at Gibraltar, at the house of his friends, Lord Napier of Magdala, on November 11th 1882. Queen Victoria gave the Victoria Cross to him at Windsor on January 4th 1860, and in 1879 his son, Mr. Hope Kavanagh, District Superintendent of Police at Saharunpore, presented it to a Museum in Lucknow.
Mr. Kavanagh’s own account of his exploit is given below, and his
portrait in the disguise he wore on the eventful night is given in Appendix III.
Mr. Thomas Henry Kavanagh’s Narrative of his Escape from the British
Entrenchments at Lucknow to the Camp of Sir Colin Campbell, near Bunnee, for the
purpose of Acting as his Guide in is Advance for the Relief of the Besieged
Garrison. While passing through the entrenchments of Lucknow about 10 o’clock a.m. on the 9th instant, I learnt that a spy had come in from Cawnpore, and that he was going back in the night as far as Alum Bagh with despatches to His Excellency Sir Colin Campbell, the Commander-in-Chief, who-it is said was approaching Lucknow with five or six thousand men. I sought out the spy, whose name was Kunoujee Lall, and who was a nazir in the Court of the Deputy Commissioner of Durriabad before the outbreak in Oudh. He had taken letters from the entrenchments before; but I had never seen him till now. I found him intelligent, and imparted to him my desire to venture in disguise to Alum Bagh in his company. He hesitated a great deal at acting as my guide, but made no attempt to exaggerate the danger of the road. He merely urged that there was more chance of detection by our going together, and proposed that we should take different roads, and meet outside of the city; to which I objected. I left him to transact some business, my mind dwelling all the time on the means of accomplishing my object. I had some days previously witnessed the preparation of plans which were being made by direction of Sir James Outram to assist the Commander-in-Chief in his march into Lucknow for the relief of the besieged, and it then occurred to me that some one with the requisite local knowledge ought to attempt to reach His Excellency’s camp beyond or at the Alum Bagh. The news of Sir Colin Campbell’s advance revived the idea, and I made up my mind to go myself. At 2 o’clock, after finishing the business I was engaged upon, I mentioned to Colonel R. Napier, Chief of Sir James Outram’s Staff, that I was willing to proceed through the enemy to Alum Bagh, if the General thought my doing so would be of service to the Commander-in-Chief. He was surprised at the offer, and seemed to regard the enterprise as fought with too much danger to be assented to; but did me the favour of communicating the offer to Sir James Outram, because he considered that my zeal deserved to be brought to his notice Sir James did not encourage me to undertake the journey, declaring that he thought it so dangerous that he would not himself have asked any officer to attempt it. I, however, spoke so confidentially of success, and treated the danger so lightly, that he at last yielded, and did me the honour of adding that if I succeeded in reaching the Commander-in-Chief my knowledge would be of great help to him. I secretly arranged for a disguise so that my wife might not know my departure, as she was not well enough to bear the prospect of an eternal separation. When I left home about seven o’clock in the evening, she thought I was gone on duty for the night to the mines; for I was working as an Assistant Field Engineer, by order of Sir James Outram. By 7 ½ o’clock my disguise was completed and when I entered the room of Colonel Napier no one in it recognized me. I was dressed as a bud mash, or as an irregular soldier of the city, with sword and shield, native-made shoes, tight trousers, a yellow silk koortab (coat) over a tight fitting white muslin shirt, a yelloy-coloured chintz sheet thrown round my shoulders, a cream coloured turban, and a white waist-band or Kummerbund. My face, down to the shoulders, and my hands to the wrists, were coloured with lamp-black, the cork used being dipped in oil, to cause the colour to adhere a little; I could get nothing better. I had little confidence in the disguise of my features, and I trusted more to the darkness of the night; but Sir James Outram and his staff seemed satisfied, and after being provided with a small double-barrelled pistol and a pair of broad pyjamahs (trousers) over the tight drawers, I proceeded with Kunoujee Lall to the right bank of the River Goompty, running north of our entrenchments, accompanied by Captain Harding of the Irregular Cavalry. Here we undressed, and quietly forded the river, which was only about four and a half feet deep, and about a hundred yards wide at this point. My courage failed me while in the water, and if my guide had been within reach I should, perhaps, have pulled him back and abandoned the enterprise. But he waded quickly through the stream, and, reaching the opposite bank, went crouching up a ditch for three hundred yards to a grove of low trees on the edge of a pond, where we stopped to dress. While we were here a man came down to the pond to wash, and went away again without observing us. My confidence now returned to me, and with my tulwar (sword) resting on my shoulder, we advanced into the huts in front, where I accosted a match lockman, who answered to my remark (that the night was cold): “It is very cold; in fact it is a cold night.” I passed him, adding that I would be colder by-and-bye. After going six or seven hundred yards further, we reached the iron bridge over the Goompty, where we were stopped and called over by a native officer who was in an upper-storied house, and seemed to be in command of a cavalry piquet, whose horses were near the place-saddled. My guide advanced to the light, and I stayed a little back in the shade. After being told that we had come from Mundeon (our old cantonment, and then in possession of the enemy) and that we were going into the city to our homes, he let us proceed. We continued on along the left bank of the river to the stone bridge, which is about eight hundred yards from the iron bridge; passing unnoticed through a number of Sepoys and matchlock men, some of whom were escorting persons of rank in palakeens (litters) preceded by torches. Re-crossing the Goompty by the stone bridge, we went by a sentry observed, who was closely questioning a dirtily dressed native, and into the Chunk, or principal street of the city of Lucknow, which was not illuminated so much as it used to be previous to the siege; nor was it so crowded. I jostled against several armed men in the street without being spoken to; and only met one guard of seven Sepoys, who were amusing themselves with some women of pleasure. When issuing from the city into the country, we were challenged by a chokeydar or watchman, who without stopping us, merely asked who we were. The part of the city traversed by me that night seemed to have been deserted by at least a third of inhabitants. I was in great spirits when we reached the green fields, into which I had not been for five months. Everything around me smelt sweet, and a carrot I took from the roadside was the most delicious I had ever tasted. I gave vent to my feelings in a conversation with Kunoujee Lall, who joined me in my admiration of the province of Oudh, and laminated that it was now in the hands of wretches whose misgovernment and rapacity was ruining it. A further walk of a few miles was accomplished in high spirits. But there was trouble before us. We had taken the wrong road, and were now quite out of our way in the Dilkoosha Park, which was occupied by the enemy. I went within twenty yards of two guns, to see what strength they were, and returned to the guide, who was in great alarm and begged I would not distrust him because of the mistake, as it was caused by his anxiety to take me away from the piquet of the enemy. I bade him not to be frightened of me, for I was not annoyed, as such accidents were not infrequent, even when there was no danger to be avoided. It was now about midnight. We endeavoured to persuade a cultivator, who was watching his crop to show the way for a short distance, but he urged old age and lameness; and another, whom I peremptorily told to come with us, ran off screaming, and alarmed the whole village. We walked quickly away into the canal running under the Char Bagh, in which I fell several times, owing to my shoes being wet and slippery and my feet sore. The shoes were hard and tight, and had rubbed the skin off my toes, and cut the flesh above the heels. In two hours more we were again in the right direction, two women in a village we passed having kindly helped us to find it. About 1 o’clock we reached an advanced piquet of Sepoys, who told us the way, after asking where we had come from, and whither we were going. I thought it safest to go up to the piquet than to try and pass them unobserved. Kunoujee Lall now begged I would not press him to take me into Alum Bagh, as he did not know the way in, and the enemy were strongly posted around the place. I was tired, and in pain from the shoes, and would therefore have preferred going into alum Bagh, but as the guide feared attempting it, I desired him to go on to the camp of the Commander-in-chief, which he said was near Bunnee (a village eighteen miles from Lucknow) upon the Cawnpore road. The moon had risen by this time, and we could see well ahead. By 3 o’clock we arrived at a grove of mango trees; situated on a plain, in which a man was singing at the top of his voice; I thought he was a villager, but he got alarmed on hearing us approach, and astonished us too by calling a guard of twenty-five Sepoys, all of whom asked the questions. Kunoujee Lall here lost heart for the first time, and threw away the letter entrusted to him for Sir Colin Campbell; I kept mine safe in my turban. We satisfied the guard that we were poor men travelling to Umroula, a village two miles this sides of the Commander-in-Chief’s camp, to inform a friend of the death of his brother by a shot from the British entrenchment at Lucknow, and they told us the road. They appeared to be greatly relieved on discovering that it was not their terrible foe that was only a few miles in advance of them. We went in the direction indicated by them, and after walking for half-an-hour we got into a jheel or swamp, which are numerous and large in Oudh. We had to wade through it for two hours, up to our waist in water, and through weeds; for before we found out that we were in a jheel we had gone too far to recede. I was nearly exhausted on getting out of the water, having made great exertions to force our way through the weeds, and to prevent the colour being washed off my face-it was nearly gone from my hands. I now rested for fifteen minutes, despite the remonstrances of the guide, and went forward, passing between two piquets of the enemy, who had no sentries thrown out. It was near 4 o’clock in the morning when I stopped at the corner of a tope, or grove of trees, to sleep for an hour, which Kunoujee Lall entreated I would not do; but I thought he over-rated the danger, and, lying down, I told him to see if there was any one in the grove who would tell him where we then were. He had not gone far when I heard the English challenge, “Who goes there?” with a native accent: we had reached a British cavalry outpost! My eyes filled with joyful tears; I shook the Sikh officer in charge of the piquet by the and; the old soldier was as pleased as myself when he heard from whence I had come, and he was good enough to send two of his men to conduct me to the camp of the advance guard. An officer of H.M.’s 9th Lancers, who was visiting his picquets, met me on the way, and took me to his tent, where I got dry stockings and trousers, and –what I much needed-a glass of brandy, a liquor I had not tasted for nearly two months. I thanked God for having safely conducted me through this dangerous enterprise; and Kunoujee Lall for the courage and intelligence with which he had conducted himself during this tries night. When we were questioned he let me speak as little as possible; he always had a ready answer, and I feel that I am indebted to him in a great measure more than to myself for my escape. It would give me great satisfaction to hear that he had been suitably rewarded. In undertaking this enterprise, I was actuated by a sense of duty, believing that I could be of use to His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief when approaching for the relief of the besieged garrison, which had heroically resisted the attack of thirty times its own number for nearly five months within a weak and irregular entrenchment; and secondly, because I was anxious to perform some service which would ensure to me the honour of wearing our Most Gracious Majesty’s Cross. My reception by Sir Colin Campbell and his staff cordial and kind to the utmost degree, and if I never have more than the remembrance of their condescension and of the heartfelt congratulations of Sir James Outram and of all officers of his garrison on my safe return to them, I should not repine; though to be sure-having the Victoria Cross would make me a prouder and happier man HUGH HENRY GOUGH (Lieutenant, now General, G.C.B.) 1st European Light Cavalry When in command of a party of Hodson’s Horse on November 12th 1857, Lieutenant Gough displayed great bravery near the Alumbagh by charging across a swamp and attacking the defenders of two guns. Though the enemy were in greatly superior numbers he succeeded in capturing the two cannon, his turban being cut through by sword cuts while in combat with three Sepoys. On February 25th 1858, near Jellalabad, he set a very fine example to his men when ordered to charge the enemy’s guns. By his courageous leading they were taken, and during the attack he was engaged in several single combats until disabled by a bullet wound in the leg when in the act of charging two Sepoys with fixed bayonets. On that day two horses were killed under him, and he received through helmet and one through his scabbard. Son of Mr. George Gough, of Rathronan House, Colonel, Ireland, Sir Hugh was born on November 14th 1833. Educated privately, he entered the Bengal Army in 1853. He served through the Abyssinian War and Afghan War, having been often wounded and frequently mentioned in despatches. He is a brother of Sir Charles Gough, V.C., and uncle of Major J. E. Gough, V.C., who was decorated for bravery in Somaliland on April 22nd 1903. JOHN WATSON (Lieutenant, now General, G.C.B.) 1st Punjab Cavalry On November 14th 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 14th to 22nd 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 20th 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 16th until the actual accomplishment of the heroic enterprise on the 22nd, 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 14th to 22nd 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 14th to 22nd 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 14th to 22nd 1857. FRANCIS DAVID MILLETT BROWN (Lieutenant) 1st European Bengal Fusiliers At Narnoul on November 16th 1857, this officer rushed to the assistance of a wounded soldier of his regiment and, although the enemy’s cavalry were within fifty yards of him at the time, he carried him away to safety. J. DUNLEY (Lance Corporal) 93rd Regiment At the attack on the Secundra Bagh at Lucknow, November 16th 1857, Dunley was the first surviving man of his regiment who entered the trench. He was particularly noticeable in his conduct, gallantly supporting Captain Burroughs against heavy odds. Elected by the private soldiers of the 93rd Regiment under Rule 13 of the Warrant. ALFRED KIRKE FFRENCH (Lieutenant) 53rd Regiment The conduct of this officer was highly praised by the whole of the Grenadier Company, which he was commanding at the taking of the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, November 16th 1857, and he was elected to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Warrant. He was one of the first to enter the building. P. GRANT (Private) 93rd Regiment Elected under Rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant, for his bravery at the storming of the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, November 16th 1857. Lieut. –Colonel Ewart had most gallantly captured a colour from the mutineers, and, while striving to get it away through the masses of Sepoys, was furiously attacked by them. Grant kept close to his colonel, and defended him, and having seized one of the enemy’s swords, killed five of them himself. The colour was eventually safely carried out. JOHN CHRISTOPHER GUISE (Major, afterwards Lieut. –General, C.B.) 90th (Perthshire Volunteers I.
I.) The Scottish Rifles Major Guise was awarded the Cross-for conspicuous gallantry in action at Lucknow, on November 16th and 17th 1857. The acts or acts of gallantry being of a general character, no details as to the specific instances are given in the official documents, beyond that he was chosen by the officers of the regiment as being the most worthy and distinguished among them all, some thirty-five or forty inn number, including the present Field-Marshal Viscount Wolseley, then a young captain with the 90th. General Guise died on February 5th 1895 (on the same day as Major-General Montresor Rogers, V.C., who had served with him before Sebastopol). He was the son of General Sir J. Guise, Bart., G.C.B., and was born on July 27th 1826. Endign, June 1845, and forty-five years afterwards became Colonel of the Leicestershire Regiment. NOWELL SALMON (Lieutenant, Now Admiral of the Fleet, G.C.B.) Royal Navy On November 16th 1857, at the attack on the Shah Nujjiff at Lucknow, the rebels, who were posted behind the gateway, poured a very severe fire upon the Naval Brigade. As no sufficiently effective reply could be given from the front, Captain Peel, V.C., called for volunteers to climb a tree overlooking the gate, and fire at the enemy. Lieutenant Salmon promptly answered, and, in company with Boatswain Harrison (V.C.), shot so well from the advantageous position that the enemy’s defence was considerably weakened, and shortly afterwards the place was captured. Admiral Salmon, son of the Rev. H. Salmon, Rector of Swarraton, Hants was born on February 20th 1835. Educated at Marlborough. Served in the Baltic operations 1854, and the Mutiny as stated above. Was A.D.C. to the Queen 1875-9; Commander-in-Chief on the Cape and West African Station 1881-5; held the same position in China 1888-90; and at Portsmouth 1894. JOHN HARRISON (Boatswain’s Mate) Royal Navy When Sir Colin Campbell reached the city of Lucknow at the end of his famous march to the relief of the beleaguered Residency, the Shah Nujjiff was one of the most stubbornly defended posts held by the mutineers on November 16th 1857. A very heavy fire was poured upon us from a gate at the angle of the defences, and Captain Peel, V.C., called for volunteers to climb a large tree overlooking the inner fortifications and fire upon the enemy. Harrison and Lieutenant Nowell Salomon (V.C.) (now Admiral, G.C.B.) performed this dangerous service, and worked great havoc on those inside. Harrison died on December 25th 1865. THOMAS JAMES YOUNG (Lieutenant, afterwards Commander) Royal Navy Captain Peel, V.C., recommended Lieutenant Young for the Victoria Cross for his conspicuous courage while serving the naval gun at the attack on the Shah Nujjiff, at Lucknow, on November 16th 1857. He died at Caen, France, on March 20th 1869. WILLIAM HALL (Able Seaman) Naval Brigade, Royal Navy During Sir Colin Campbell’s advance to the final relief of the Lucknow Residency on November 16th 1857, William Hall, “Captain of the Foretop” of H.M.S. Shannon, was with the guns of Peel’s Naval Brigade, and was conspicuous for his fearless bravery at the attack on the Shah Nujjiff, one of the stoutest defences of the mutineers around Lucknow. Hall is one of the three men of colour who have been awarded the Victoria Cross. The other two are Samuel Hodge and W. J. Gordon. S. HILL (Sergeant) 90th Regiment On November 16th and 17th 1857, Hill’s bravery was most conspicuous. At the storming of the Secundra Bagh he saved the life of Captain Irby, by warding off a blow, aimed at his head with a tulwar, by a Sepoy. He also went out under a heavy fire to the assistance of two wounded men. Throughout the entire operations for the relief of Lucknow this man’s conduct was very noticeable, and he was elected under Rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant. C. IRWIN (Private) 53rd Regiment Elected by the Private soldiers of the regiment for his conspicuous bravery at the taking of the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, November 16th 1857, when although severely wounded in the shoulder, he was one of the first of his regiment to enter the place under a terrific fire. J. KENNY (Private) 53rd Regiment Elected by the private soldiers of his regiment for his gallant conduct and fearless bravery at the assault on the Secundra Bagh,Lucknow, on November 16th 1857, when in spite of a most heavy crossfire, he volunteered to bring up fresh ammunition to his company. D. MACKAY (Private) 93rd Regiment At the capture of the secundra Bagh at Lucknow, November 16th 1857, MacKay displayed the greatest gallantry in capturing one of the standards of the enemy, after a most obstinate resistance on their part. Afterwards, at the capture of the strong defence, the Shah Nujjiff, he was severely wounded. His comrades elected him to receive the decoration of the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Warrant. JAMES MUNRO (Colour-Sergeant) 93rd Regiment (Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders) Decorated for his devoted gallantry on November 16th 1857, at the attack on the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, during Sir Colin Campbell’s advance to the relief of the Residency. Captain Walsh had fallen severely wounded and was in imminent danger of being killed by the Sepoys, when Munro rushed to his assistance, carried him to a place of safety, and saved his life. He himself was shortly afterwards brought in dangerously wounded. His Victoria Cross is in the United Services Institute, in London. JOHN PATON (Sergeant) 93rd Regiment (Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders) At the Shah Nujjiff, Novemebr 16th 1857, Peel’s naval guns had been firing point blank at the walls, endeavouring to force a breach for the eager Highlanders to rush in, but the strength of the masonry was such that it seemed a hopeless task. An attempt was about to be made to carry the place by assault, when Sergeant Paton hurried up with the report that he had an opening. On his own initiative, and quite alone, he had crept around the stronghold to, if possible, discover a means of entry, and found that the shot’s from our heavy guns had at the commencement gone over the front and made a beach in the rear defences, through which he guided his regiment. The enemy were taken in rear, and a general stampede took place leaving the Shah Nujjiff in our hands. Born on December 23rd 1883, at Stirling, Paton enlisted in the 42nd Highlanders on March 20th 1848, but volunteered into the 93rd at the outbreak of the Crimean War. After the Mutiny, he left the Army in 1861, went to Sydney, joined the Prison Service, and eventually became Governor of Goulburn Gaol, retiring in 1896. J. SMITH (Private) 1st 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 16th 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. WILLIAM GEORGE DRUMMOND STEWART (Captain, afterwards Major Sir W. G. D. Stewart, Bart 93rd Regiment On November 16th 1857, this officer led a brilliant charge upon two of the enemy’s guns, which were brought to bear upon our troops, and inflicting severe damage. By the capture of these cannon the position of the mess-house was secured. Under Rule 13 of the Warrant this officer was decorated with the Victoria Cross. P. GRAHAM (Private) 90th Regiment elected by his comrades of the regiment under Rule 13th of the warrant, for his conspicuous bravery at Lucknow, November 17th 1857, when he carried a wounded soldier under heavy fire to a place of safety. CHARLES PYE (Sergeant Major, afterwards Ensign) 53rd Regiment Elected by the non-commissioned officers of his regiment was in action, and particularly on November 17th 1857, at Lucknow, when he carried up ammunition to the mess house under terrific fire. THOMAS BERNARD HACKETT (Lieutenant, afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) 23rd Regiment At the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, on November 18th 1857, a young corporal of the 23rd was dangerously wounded, and lay in an exposed position under fire of the enemy. Lieutenant Hackett and George Monger (V.C.), seeing his danger, rushed out and, placing him between them, brought him under cover, and, promptly procuring medical aid, his life was saved. On the same date Lieutenant Hackett displayed conspicuous courage in getting on to the roof of a burning bungalow, from which he tore the thatch to prevent the fire spreading. While doing this he became the target for hundreds of Sepoys in the houses close by, who poured on him an incessant fire. It is said to relate that he eventually met his death by the explosion of his own some years ago in Ireland. George Mongor (Private) 23rd Regiment At the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, on November 18th 1857, Monger displayed great bravery in accompanying Lieutenant Hackett (V.C.) to assist in carrying in a corporal of his regiment who, being wounded, was lying in a most exposed position. HENRY NORTH DALRYMPLE PRENDERGAST (Lieutenant, now General G.C.B.) Royal (Madras) Engineers On November 21st 1857, at Mundisore, Lieutenant G. Dew, of the 14th Hussars, was in imminent danger of being shot by a Velaitee, who covered him from the rear with his musket. Lieutenant Prendergast rushed at him and cut him down, but not before being wounded himself by the discharge of the piece. His gallant action saved the life of Lieutenant Dew, but he was almost cut down in his turn, had not Major Orr killed the rebel. He also distinguished himself at the actions of Ratgurh and Betwa, being severely wounded.
Major-General Sir Hugh Rose, in forwarding his recommendation of this
officer, states-
“Lieutenant Prendergast was specially mentioned by Brigadier Stuart for
the gallant act at Mundisore when he was severely wounded; secondly; he was
specially mentioned by men when acting as my A.D.C. in the action before
besieging Ratgurgh on the Beena River for gallant conduct.
His horse was killed on that occasion.
Thirdly, at the action of the ‘Betwa,’ he again voluntarily acted as
my A.D.C. and distinguished himself by his bravery in the charge, which I made
with Captain Need’s troop, against the left of the Peishwa’s army under
Tantia Topee. He was severely
wounded on that occasion.” Son of Thomas Prendergast, Madras Civil Service, Sir Henry Prendergast was born in India, October 15th 1834. Educated at Cheam School, Brighton College and Addiscombe, he entered the Army in 1854, serving in the Persian War, 1856-7; with the Field force 1857, and the Central India Field Force 1858, in the two latter services being severely wounded and mentioned in despatches; through the Abyssinian War 1868, and the Indian Expedition to the Mediterranean 1878; Upper Burma 1885-6, being thanked by Her Majesty Queen Victoria and the government of India. Has held many distinguished positions in Travancore and Cochin 1887; Mysore and Coorg 1887 and 1891; Baroda 1889; Baluchistan 1889. Arthur Mayo (Midshipman) Royal (Indian) Navy On November 22nd 1857, the Indian Naval Brigade (abolished in 1863) was quartered at Dacca, in Bengal, and under the command of Lieutenant T. E. Lewis, R.N. The Sepoys at that station having mutinied, orders were received to disarm them, and three of their “Guards” showed no resistance. The fourth, however, drawn up on the Lall Bagh with two 6-pounder field guns, had loop-holed the hospital ad their barracks, and on the Naval brigade entering the enclosure and forming into line, the native officer gave the order to fire, which was promptly responded to by his troops. The sailors replied with a volley, and charged the barracks on the hill, breaking the barracks on the hill, breaking down the doors, their howitzers firing at the enemy’s two guns, one of which commenced to blaze away at those of our men who had worked their way along the higher ground. When at the further end of the hill, the officer in command gave the order, “Take those guns,” whereupon Mr. Mayo, collecting a few men, called on them to follow him, and with a cheer they rushed down the hill. The sepoys working the gun for which Mayo’s party were making, now dispersed the muzzle, and when the sailors were within a few yards of it one of them was in the act of applying a port-fire, when he was fortunately shot. A second Sepoy sprang forward to finish the work, but Mr. Mayo and his men on him, and, before he could reach the powder, was cut down, and all his rebellious crew round the gun promptly slain, the two guns being turned upon the now retreating rebels. During the charge Mr. Mayo was fully twenty yards ahead of his party. On another occasion, during an expedition into the Abor Hills, on February 27th 1859, the Naval Brigade took seven well-defended stockades. One of these was across a nullah over which was a wooden bridge. The bugle from headquarters sounded, “Cease firing,” but arrows were raining round Mr. Mayo’s party, and he asked the C.O. not to hear it, urging that the party should push on. Though warned that the bridge across the nullah was probably cut, he led his men across it, and, reaching the opposite side in safety, dashed for the stockade and got over it. The last stubbornly defended by natives with arrows, spears and stones, and during the attack upon it he was truck in the hand by a poisoned arrow. Stopping to suck the wound, the men thought he was badly injured, and hesitated to go on, but he dashed forward again, calling out that he was not hurt, and the place was taken. The fighting lasted for five hours, and Mr Mayo was mentioned in despatches for his gallantry throughout the entire time. Born in 1840, Mr Mayo was just 17 years old when he won the Victoria Cross-one of the youngest of its recipients. He was invalided home in 1860, matriculated at Oxford in 1862, took his B.A. degree 1865, and was ordained Deacon of the Exter Diocese in 1866. He served as Assistant-Curate at St. Peter’s, Plymouth, for one year and eight months, and was received into the Catholic Church November 5th 1867, at Farm Street. THOMAS FLINN (Drummer) 64th Regiment At Lucknow, on November 28th 1857, Flinn displayed the utmost bravery in charging on the enemy’s guns, and, though severely wounded, he engaed in a hand-to-hand encounter with two-rebel artillerymen.
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 8th 1859. At Khodagunge on January 2nd 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 30th 1832. Educated at Eton, Sandhurst and Addiscombe, he obtained his 2nd Lieutenancy in the Bengal Artillery in 1851, becoming 1st 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 4th 1879, and May 5th 1881, and on several occasions by the Indian Government; D.A.Q.M.G. during Indian Mutiny; A.Q.M.G. (Bengal) 1863-8; 1st 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 19th
“The following special Army Order, expressing the King’s thanks to
Lord Roberts on his retirement, was issued last night by the Army council, and
as it is the first Army Order published under the new organization, is
reproduced by us in the exact from in which it was issued- “ARMY ORDER “SPECIAL “WAR OFFICE, “Febuary 18th 1904. “The following is promulgated to the Army by direction
of the Army council- “RETIRMENT OF FIELD-MARSHAL EARL ROBERTS, K.G., V.C. “His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to
direct the issue of the following order to the Army- “Buckingham Palace, “February 18th 1904. “I desire on behalf of My Army to express my deep regret at taking leave of Field-Marshal Earl Roberts, K.G., V.C., who retires from active employment on relinquishing the high office of Commander-in-Chief, which will not again be filled. “For over fifty years, the field marshal has served Queen Victoria. My beloved and lamented Mother, and Myself, in India, in Africa, and at home with the highest distinction. During that long period he has performed every duty entrusted to him with unswerving zeal and unfailing success. “I am unable to part with My Commander-in-chief, without returning publicly to him My thanks, and those of My Army which he has commanded, for the invaluable services he has rendered to My Empire, and I ask all ranks of My army to profit by the example if his illustrious careers, and of his single minded devotion to his Sovereign and to his country. “EDWARD R. et I. “By order of the army council, “E. W. D. WARD.” BERNARD MCQUIRT (Private) 95th Regiment Decorated for great gallantry at the capture of Rowa, and entrenched town, on January 6th 1858. He engaged in hand-to-hand fight with three men killing one, and wounding two others. He received five severe sabre-cuts, and a bullet wound during this action. D. SPENCE (Troop Sergeant-Major) 9th Lancers Decorated for conspicuous bravery at Shumsabad, on January 17th 1858, when he rescued Private Kidd from the centre of a band of rebels. Kidd’s horse had fallen and he was badly wounded, and to reach him had to cut his way through several of the enemy. JOHN ADAM TYTLER (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel, C.B.) 66th (Ghoorka) Bengal Native
Infantry Decorated for his conspicuous courage on February 10th 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 10th 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. JOHN JAMES McLEOD INNES (Lieutenant, now Lieut. –General, Retired) Royal (Bengal) Engineers Sultanpore was held in force by the rebels, and was attacked on February 23rd 1858. A line of skirmishes covered the advance. In the far distance the guns of the enemy could be seen. Our skirmishers were closely pressing them, and, abandoning a gun, they were retiring, only to take up a fresh position. Here they had loaded a heavy piece, the fire from which would have ploughed through the column, had not Lieutenant Innes dashed ahead a one and shot the gunner before he could fire, remaining undaunted, the mark for hundreds of matchlocks and riflemen sheltered in huts close by, and beating back the gunners until aid reached him. By his courageous act the guns were captured, the rebels routed, and many lives were saved. FREDERICK ROBERTSON AIKMAN (Lieutenant- afterwards Lieut. –Colonel) 4th Bengal Native Infantry At daybreak on March 1st 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 13th 1865. On October 6th 1888, he dropped dead while attending a ball in Scotland. WILLIAM GOAT (Corporal) 9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers This brave young soldier took p[art in the siege and capture of Lucknow in 1858. On March 6th, while in action with the enemy’s cavalry, he coolly dismounted, took up Major Smyth, 2nd Dragoon Guards, who was thought to be only severely wounded, and attempted to remove him off the field. This, at first, he was unable to accomplish, being surrounded by the enemy’s horse. Nothing daunted, he made a second attempt, this time under a heavy fire, and succeeding in his endeavours-in defence of the rabble around him-removed the officer’s body out of reach of those waiting to mutilate it. William goat’s Cross with Mutiny medal was sold in London, in May 1902 for £85. THOMAS ADAIR BUTLER (Lieutenant, afterwards Colonel) 1st Bengal Fusiliers (Late 101st) On March 9th 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 14th 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 1st 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 10th 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. FRANCIS EDWARD HENRY FARQUHARSON (Lieutenant) 42nd Regiment Decorated for conspicuous bravery before Lucknow, on March 9th 1858, when he led a party of men and stormed a bastion, mounting two guns, which he succeeded in spiking. By his gallant action the advanced position taken and held by our men during the night was made secure from the fire of artillery. Lieutenant Farquharson was severely wounded on the following day while holding an advanced position. WILLIAM McBEAN (Lieutenant and Adjutant, afterwards Major General) 93rd (Argyll and Sutherland) Highlanders Decorated for his extraordinary bravery on March 11th 1858, when, quite alone, he attacked and killed eleven of the enemy in the main breach of the Begum Bagh, Lucknow. Forbes-Mitchell, in his Reminiscences of the Great Mutiyn, relates how Lieutenant McBean, with Sergeant Hutchinson and Drummer Ross, a boy of about twelve years of age, climbed to the top of the dome of the Shah Nujjiff by means of a rude rope ladder, which was fixed, on it. This was during the relief of Lucknow by Sir Colin Campbell’s force, and the reason for this daring adventure (for the enemy on the Badshahibagh saw them and turned their guns on them) was in order to signal to the garrison of the Residency to let them know the position of the relieving force. Describing the assault on the Begum’s Kothee, the same author relates the act for which William McBean was awarded the Victoria Cross. After the assault the men were broken up into small parties in a series of separate fights all over the different detached buildings of the palace. “Willie” McBean, as the officers, but “Paddy” McBean to the men knew him, encountered a havildar, a naik, and nine Sepoys at one gate, and killed the whole eleven one after the other. The havildar was the last; and, by the time he got out through the narrow gate, several men came to the assistance of McBean, but he called to them not to interfere, and the havildar and he went at it with their swords. At length McBean made a feint cut, but instead gave the point, and put his sword through the chest of his opponent. McBean was an Inverness-shire ploughman before he enlisted, and rose from the ranks to command the regiment and died a Major General. It is said of him that when he first joined the regiment he walked with a rolling gait and the drill corporal was rather abusive with him when learning his drill. At last he became so offensive that another recruit proposed to McBean, who was a very powerful man, that they should call the corporal behind the canteen in the barrack yard and give him a good thrashing, to which proposal McBean replied: “Toots, toots, man, that would never do. I am going to command this regiment before I leave it and it would be an ill beginning to be brought before the colonel for thrashing the drill-corporal.” McBean kept to his purpose and did live to command the regiment through every rank from private to Major General. HENRY WILMOT (Captain, afterwards Colonel, K.C.B.) 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade On March 11th 1858, Captain Wilmot, when his company was engaged with a large force of the enemy near the Iron Bridge, Lucknow, found himself with only four men at the end of a street, and a very large body of the enemy opposed to him. One of the men fell, shot through both legs. Corporal Nash and Private D. Hawke’s (although the latter was wounded) took him up and carried him away a very long-distance, under a severe fire from the enemy, while Captain Wilmot covered their retreat, using the men’s rifle in turn. Sir Henry Wilmot, born February 3rd 1831, was the son of the late Sir Henry Sacheverel Wilmot. Educated at Rugby, he joined the 43rd Light Infantry in 1849. In 1851, on obtaining his company, he was transferred to the Rifle Brigade, the 2nd Battalion of which he joined in the Crimean War, January 1856. In July 1857, he sailed for India, and after the siege of LuckHope Grant as Deputy-Judge-Advocate-General in Oude. In 1860 as Judge-Advocate-General of the expeditionary force, he took part in the campaign in China, which terminated his active services. He died at his residence, Chaltenden on April 7th 1901. DAVID HAWKES (Private) 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade Associated with the late Sir H. Wilmot (V.C.), in a very brave act at the Iron Bridge, Lucknow on March 11th 1858. Hawkes died in 1859, shortly after being gazetted. W. NASH (Corporal) 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade Associated with Sir Henry Wilmot (V.C.), in a most courageous and humane action near the Iron Bridge at Lucknow March 11th 1858. EDWARD ROBINSON (Seaman) Royal Navy On March 13th 1858, at the siege of Lucknow, the battery served by the Naval Brigade ignited, owing to the sandbags catching fire. Edward Robinson dashed up and, under a terrific fire from the enemy, who were only fifty yards distant, succeeded in extinguishing the flames, being dangerously wounded during this heroic act. He died at Windsor on October 2nd 1896. 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 17th 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 17th 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 25th 1904. WILLIAM GEORGE HAWTREY BANKES (Cornet) 7th Hussars On Arch 19th 1858, near the Moosa Bagh, Lucknow, this young officer twice charged a body of infuriated fanatics who had rushed on the guns employed in shelling a small mud-fort. He received terrible wounds on that occasion, and died eighteen days later, April 6th 1858. It is stated that his conduct in the action referred to excited the admiration of all, whilst universal sympathy was extended to him for the terrible sufferings he had to undergo, borne with great fortitude by him until his death, both his arms and legs being mutilated. The Commander-in-Chief in India provisionally conferred the Victoria Cross upon him before his death, and a notice appeared in the Gazette of December 24th 1858, stating that Her Majesty Queen Victoria would have confirmed the award had he survived. Born September 11th 1836, William Bankes was the son of the right Honourable George Bankes, M.P., of Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle. Educated at Westminster School, he joined the Army in April 1857. He served in the Indian Mutiny under Sir Colin Campbell in Oude, including the repulse of the enemy at the Alumbagh, February 25th; the siege of Lucknow from March 2nd to 16th; and the advance on the Moosa Bagh, where he met his death. R. Newell (Private) 9th Lancers Decorated for his bravery at Lucknow on March 19th 1858, when, under a heavy fire of musketry, he went to the assistance of a comrade whose horse had fallen on bad ground, and brought him away to safety. DAVID RUSHE (Troops Sergeant Major) 9th Lancers On March 19th 1858, this non-commissioned officer displayed conspicuous bravery near Lucknow in having, with one other soldier; attacked eight mutineers posted in a nullah, and killed three of them. AYLMER SPICER CAMERON (Lieutenant, Now Colonel, C.B.) 72nd Regiment (1st Seaforth Highlanders) In March 1858, the 72nd were marching and fighting day and night in the jungle between Neemuch and Gwalior. On the 30th an armed band, which was strongly posted in a loop holed building in Kotah, was attacked. Lieutenant Cameron headed a small party of his regiment and stormed the place, killing, single-handed, three of the defenders. He was severely tulwar (native sword) cut. Colonel Cameron, born August 12th 1833, son of Lieut. –Colonel W.G. Cameron, of the Grenadier Guards, served also in the Crimean War. Was A.A.G. 1877-81; commanded the King’s Own Borderers 1881-3; chief of Intelligence Branch 1883-5; and from 1886 to 1888 was Commandant of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. HUGH STEWART COCHRANE (Lieutenant and Adjutant, afterwards Colonel) 86th Royal County Down (Now 2nd Royal Irish Rifles) At Jhansi on April 1st 1858, a company (No.1) of the 86th Regiment was ordered to charge and capture a gun. Being mounted, Lieutenant Cochrane dashed forward- greatly in advance of his men-exposed to the musketry fire of the rebel infantry in rear of the battery as well as that from the gun itself. Charging headlong on the gunners, who gave way almost to a man, he kept possession of the piece till support came up, afterwards charging the enemy’s rear-guard, who shot three horses from under him, his attack upon them being so close and resolute. He became Ensign in 1849; Captain in the 7th Fusiliers in 1858; and afterwards Lieut. –Colonel in the 43rd Light Infantry, which he commanded in India from February 1878, until his retirement. JAMES LEITH (Lieutenant, afterwards Major) 14th (The King’s) Hussars During the action on April 1st 1858, the troops engaged at Betwah, under Sir Hugh Rose (afterwards Lord Strathnairn), had a powerful force to contend with. The enemy surrounded them, killing and wounding a great many. Captain Need was later on attacked by a rabble of infantry mutineers, and on the point of being bayoneted, when Lieutenant Leith, seeing his danger, charged the Sepoys single-handed, and rescued him from certain death. FREDERICK WHIRLPOOL (Private) 3rd Bombay European Regiment Decorated for his bravery at the attack of Jhansi on April 3rd 1858, when he twice most gallantly volunteered to go out and bring in the wounded under a very heavy fire from the wall of the fort. He also displayed conspicuous courage at the assault of Loharo on May 2nd 1858, in rushing to the rescue of Lieutenant Doune, of his regiment. His conduct during the day, and the example he showed the men, greatly contributed to the successful issue of the battle. When Whirlpool went to the rescue of Lieutenant Doune he received seventeen desperate wounds, one of which almost severed his head from his body. In spite of this he lived for many years, and only died in New South Wales on June 24th 1899. HENRY EDWARD JEROME (Captain, afterwards Major General) 86th The Royal County Down (Now 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles) On April 3rd 1858, at Jhansi, Captain Henry Edward Jerome, assisted by Private James Byrne (V.C.), of his regiment, brought out of action, under a very heavy fire, Lieutenant Sewell, who had fallen severely wounded at a very exposed part of the attack. Again on May 28th at the capture of the Fort of Chandairee, at the storming of Jhansi, and in action with a powerful force, his bravery was most conspicuous. In the last action he had part of his head torn away, his recovery being considered marvellous. Major-General Jerome afterwards served through the Hazara Campaign, retiring in 1885. He was born on February 2nd 1830, and died at Bath, February 25th 1901. JOSEPH BRENNAN (Bombardier) Royal Artillery Decorated for great bravery at the assault of Jhansi on April 3rd 1858. He brought up two guns of the Hyderabad Contingent, manned by natives, from a position open to a heavy fire from the enemy, and directed them so well that Sepoys were forced to abandon their battery. JAMES BYRNE (Private) 86th Regiment On April 3rd 1858, at the storming od the fort of Jhansi, Byrne carried Lieutenant Sewell, who had been badly wounded, to a place of safety, being assisted by Captain (afterwards Major-General) Jerome, V.C. This act was performed under a very heavy rifle fire. His Victoria Cross was sold in London, June 1893 for £35. MICHAEL SLEAVON (Corporal) Royal Engineers Decorated for conspicuous bravery on April 3rd 1858, at the attack on the Fort of Jhansi, when in the words of the Gazette, he, “Maintained his position at the head of a Sap, and continued the work under a heavy fire with a cool and steady determination worthy of the highest praise.” Sleavon died some years ago. His Victoria Cross was sold in London, on January 22nd 1903 for £53. JAMES PEARSON (Private) 86th Regiment, afterwards of the 56th On April 3rd 1858, at the storming of Jhansi this soldier bravely attacked several armed rebels, killing one and bayoneting two, being himself severely wounded in the fight. He also at Calpee under a severe fire, carried into safety Private Michael Burns, who was wounded, but who unfortunately died soon afterwards. WILLIAM NAPIER (Sergeant) 1st Battalion 13th Regiment (The Prince Consort’s Own Somersetshire Light Infantry) On April 6th 1858, when on baggage guard near Azimghur, Private Benjamin Milner was severely wounded. Sergeant Napier at the risk of his life stood by him, and, though surrounded by Sepoys, bandaged his wound and then carried him to the convoy. William Napier enlisted on December 10th 1846, and was discharged, at his own request on the same date 1862. PATRICK CARLIN (Private) 13th Regiment The only other case where a Victoria Cross was awarded t a soldier by a Commander-in-Chief almost on the spot is that of Patrick Green (V.C.), and the General Order issued in the case of Carlin is identical with that of the former. The decoration was awarded to Carlin for rescuing a wounded naik of the 4th Madras Rifles on April 6th 1858. As Carlin proceeded to carry him off on his shoulders, a mutineer fired at them, upon which he took the naik’s sword after placing him on the ground, attacked and killed and succeeded in conveying the wounded man to safety. WILLIAM MARTIN CAFÉ (Captain, now Lieut. –General) 56th Bengal Native Infantry At the fort of Ruhya on April 15th 1858, Lieutenant Willoughby, of the 14th 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 42nd-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 17th. 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 23rd 1826. JAMES DAVIS (Private) 42nd Regiment (The Black Watch) On April 15th 1858, the Black Watch attacked the fort of Ruhya. Davis was one of the advanced parties accompanying the officer of Engineers, who was reconnoitring the place in order to ascertain the position of the entrance. Here Lieutenant Bramley was shot dead. There being no dhoolies, bearers, or any mode of conveyance, Davis at once, though exposed to a heavy fire, offered to remove the body. Though close under the walls, in the heat of a midday sun, with no shelter whatever, he took up the body and carried it away for some miles through the jungle. This brave man died in his native city, Edinburgh in 1891. His Cross and medals, including clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol, have passed into the hands of a private collector in London. JOHN SIMPSON (Quartermaster-Sergeant, afterwards Quartermaster) 42nd Regiment (The Black Watch) On April 15th 1858, during the attack on the Fort of Ruhya, Quartermaster-Sergeant John Simpson volunteered to go to an exposed point within forty yards f the Fort, and bring in, under a severe fire, first Lieutenant Douglas, and afterwards a private soldier, both of whom had been seriously wounded. He died at Perth on October 20th 1883. EDWARD SPENCE (Private) 42nd Regiment (The Black Watch) This soldier would have been recommended to Her Majesty for the Victoria Cross had he survived the wounds received at the attack on the Fort of Ruhya, on April 15th 1858. On that occasion he assisted Captain (afterwards General) Café (V.C.), in bringing the body of Lieutenant Willoughby, and exposed himself fearlessly to a heavy fire to cover the retreat of the party bearing the body. He died two days afterwards. ALEXANDER THOMPSON (Lance Corporal) 42nd Regiment (The Black Watch) On April 15th 1858, during the attack on the fort of Ruhya, Lance-Corporal Thompson volunteered to assist Captain Café (V.C.) to bring I the body of Lieutenant Willoughby from the top of the glacis, under a most severe fire. He died some years ago at Perth. SMAUEL MORLEY (Private) Military Train On April 15th 1858, on the evacuation of Azimghur by Koer Singh’s army, a squadron of the military train and some Horse Artillery were sent in pursuit. On coming into action, with their rear-guard the former were ordered to charge. Lieutenant Hamilton, commanding the 3rd Cavalry, was unhorsed and at once set upon by the enemy, who commenced cutting and hacking at him on the ground. Morley, whose horse had also been shot, immediately dashed up on foot to his assistance and, in conjunction with Farrier Murphy (V.C.), cut down the Sepoys, defended him and fought hand-to-hand until assistance arrived, when they carried him into safety. MICHAEL MURPHY (Farrier) Private 2nd Battalion Military Train On April 15th 1858, while pursuing the army of Koer Singh from Azimghur, Lieutenant Hamilton of the 3rd Sikh Cavalry was wounded, unhorsed and surrounded by the enemy. Murphy dashed to his assistance, cut down several of them and, although he wounded, remained by his side till support came up. WILLIAM GARDNER (Colour-Sergeant, afterwards Quartermaster-Sergeant) 42nd Regiment (The Black Watch) The battle of Bareilly took place on May 5th 1858, the Black Watch early in the day being hotly engaged. During the action Lieut. –Colonel Cameron, the commanding officer, was knocked off his horse and, while lying on the ground stunned, was at once set upon by three ghazees (fanatics) Colour-Sergeant Gardner rushed to his aid, and in a moment bayoneted two of them. He then attacked the third, which was, however, despatched by a man of the regiment. (Letter from Captain McPherson to officer commanding the regiment.) Died in November 1897, being the last of the eight men of his gallant regiment gazetted to the Victoria Cross during the Indian Mutiny. V. BAMBRICK (Private) 1st Battalion 60th Regiment On May 6th 1858, Mambrick was in serai at Bareilly and displayed great courage when set upon by three ghazees, one of whom he cut down, being twice wounded on this occasion. HARRY HAMMON LYSTER (Lieutenant, Now Lieut. –General, C.B.) 72nd Bengal Native Infantry On May 23rd 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 14th Light Dragoons. Lieutenant-General Lyster, son of Mr A Lyster, was born on December 24th 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. SAME SHAW (Private) 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade In a despatch, dated June 17th 1858, from Nowabgunge, Major-General Hope Grant, K.C.B., brought the conduct of this soldier to the notice of the D.A.G. of the Army, saying that he trusted his Excellency would allow him to recommend Shaw for the Victoria Cross, and would approve of his having issued a divisional order stating that he had done so. The act was as follows: - On June 13th 1858, an armed mutineer, a ghazee was seen to enter a “tope” of trees, and someofficers and men dashed after him. Shaw, armed only with a short sword, rushed in single handed and killed him after a desperate struggle, in which he himself received a severe wound from the rebel’s tulwar. GEORGE RODGERS (Private) 71st Regiment On June 16th 1858, at Marar, in Gwalior, Rodgers attacked seven rebels by himself, killing one of them. This exploit was stated to have been a most useful one, as the party of the enemy were well armed and had taken up a strong position in advance of a detachment of the 71st Regiment. JAMES CHAMPION (Sergeant Major) 8th Hussars At the action and pursuit of Beejapore, in Central India, on September 5th 1858, Sergeant-Major Champion highly distinguished himself. Both his troops officers were wounded early in the day, and he himself soon afterwards was shot through the body. Left thus in command of hi troops, and though badly wounded, he remained in the saddle the whole day throughout the pursuit, killing many of the enemy with his revolver. Before this, act the battle of Gwalior, on June 17th he had already greatly distinguished himself in the charge with his regiment. CLEMENT WALKER-HENEAGE (Captain, afterwards Major) 8th Hussars Captain Clemont Walker-Heneage was elected under Rule 13 of the Victoria Cross warrant, for his bravery on June 17th 1858. A squadron of his regiment made a most gallant charge upon the enemy, who were advancing against the position held by Brigadier Smith. Under a heavy and converging fire from the fort and town, they cut through the rebel camp into two batteries, captured and brought back two of the enemy’s guns. Major Walker-Heneage, son of the late Mr. G. H. Walker Heneage, of Compton Basset, was born in 1831. He served through the Crimean War, being present at Alma, Inkerman, Balaklava, and Tchernaya, the actions of Bulganac and McKenzie’s Farm, siege and fall of Sebastopol, and the Kertch Ecpedition. Pro ceding to India immediately afterwards, he served through the Indian Mutiny, being engaged in the suppression of the rebels in Rajputana and Central India. He was present at the capture of Kotah, re-occupation of Chundaree, battle of Kotah-Ke-Serai, capture of Gwalior and of Powree, battle of Sindwaho, action of Koorwye and Naharghur. In the action at Gwalior, when he gained the Victoria Cross, he was in command of a squadron of his regiment, and with him were associated Sergeant Joseph Ward, Farrier George Hollis, and Private John Pearson, all of whom were awarded the Decoration. He entered the Army in August 1851, as Cornet; became Captain in May 1857; Brevet-Major 1858; and Major in November 1860. Retired in 1868. He died at Compton Basset on December 9th 1901. GORGE HOLLIS (Farrier) 8th Hussars Associated with the late Major clement Walker-Heneage (V.C.), in a gallant charge made on the enemy at Gwalior June 17th 1858. JOHN PEARSON (Private) 8th Hussars Associated with Major Clement Walker Heneage (V.C.), at Gwalior June 17th 1858. JOSEPH WARD (Sergeant) 8th Hussars Associated with Major Clement Walker-Heneage (V.C.), at Gwalior, June 17th WILLIAM FRANCIS FREDERICK WALLER (Lieutenant) 25th Bombay Light Infantry Decorated for his conspicuous daring at the capture of the Gwalior Fortress June 20th 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 29th 1885. SAMUEL JAMES BROWN (Captain, afterwards General, G.C.B., K.C.S.I.) 46th Bengal Native Infantry In an engagement with the rebels, under Khan Ali Khan, at daybreak on August 31st 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 3rd 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 1st 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 14th 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 27th 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 21st 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 27th 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. GEORGE BELL CHICKEN (Late Indian) Naval Brigade This gallant man was a volunteer with the Naval Brigade in the Mutiny, and was deservedly awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery at Suhejnee, near Peroo, on September 27th, 1858. Seeing that a number of rebels were about to rally and open fire on their scattered pursuers, he charged them by himself. Surrounded on all sides, he continued fighting desperately, and killed five rebels before being himself cut down, when he would most certainly have been killed but for the fortunate arrival of some of the Bengal Police and Sikh Cavalry, who dashed into the crowd to his rescue and routed it, killing many of the enemy. CHARLES AMDERSON (Private, afterwards Corporal) 2nd Dragoons Guards (Queen’s Bays) At Sundeela October 8th 1858, Private Anderson behaved with great gallantry when Sepoys attacked his party in the jungle, on which occasion he saved his colonel’s life. Further details of his brave conduct are given in the record of Trumpeter Monaghan (V.C.). His Victoria Cross is now in the United Service Institute, London. THOMAS MONAGHAN (Trumpeter) 2nd Dragoon guards (Queen’s Bays) Associated with Corporal Charles Anderson in saving the life of Lieut. –Colonel Seymour, C.B. (in command of their regiment), on October 8th 1858. Soon after the action fought at Sundeela, in Oude, a sudden attack was made upon our men in a dense jungle of sugar-canes, from which an attempt had been made to dislodge a body of thirty or forty mutineers. Our party was fired upon a few yards range and then attacked by the enemy with drawn swords. Colonel Seymour shot one man, fired his pistol into the oncoming mass of Sepoys, and was then cut down by two blows from a sword. Monaghan, with Anderson, at once rushed to his help, the former shooting one of the enemy who was about to cut him, and by the exertions of these two men, who made a terrific onslaught upon them, they were kept at bay until the colonel could rise, when every one of the enemy was killed. Monaghan’s Victoria Cross was sold in London on November 5th 1903 for £43. HANSON CHAMBERS TAYLOR JARRETT (Lieutenant, afterwards colonel) 26th Bengal Native Infantry On October 14th 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. HENRY EVELYN WOOD (Lieutenant, now Field Marshal, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., D.L.) 17th Lancers On October 19th 1858, at Sindwaho, during the Indian Mutiny, Lieutenant Wood was in command of a troop of the 3rd Light Cavalry. He attacked almost single-handed, a body of mutineers who were making a stand, and routed them completely. A short time afterwards, near Sindhora, the enemy had seized a Patel, named Chemmum Singh. Hearing that they intended to hang the wretched man for his loyalty to us, Lieutenant Wood took about twelve men, and started in pursuit. |
