Regimental VC`s (Indian Mutiny)
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began as a mutiny of sepoys of the East India Company`s army on 10th May 1857, in the town of Meerut, and soon escalated into other mutinies and civilian rebellions in the upper Gangetic plain and cental India, with the major hostilities confined to present-day Uttar Pradesh, Bihar. northern Madhyh Pradesh., and Delhi region. The rebellion posed a considerable threat to Company power in that region, and was contained only with fall of Gwalior on 20th June 1858.
The rebellion is also known as India`s First War of Independence, the Great Rebellion, the Indian Mutiny, the revolt of 1857, the Sepoy Rebellion and the Sepoy Mutiny.
The Mutiny was a result of various grievances, however the flashpoint was reached when the soldiers were asked to bite off the paper cartridges for their rifles which they believed were greased with animal fat, namely beef and pork. This was, and is, against all the religious beliefs of Hindus and Muslims, respectively. Other regions of Company- controlled India – such as Bengal, the Bombay Presidency and the Madras presidency – remained largely calm, In Punjab, the Sikh princess backed the Company by providing soldiers and support.
The large princely states of Hyderabed, Mysore, Travancore and Kashmir, as well as the smaller ones of Rajputana, did not join the rebellion. In some regions , such as Oudh, the rebellion took on the attributes of a patriotic revolt against European presence. Maratha leaders, such as Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, became folk heroes in the nationalist movement in India half a century later; however, they themselves ” generated no coherent ideology” for the new order.
The rebellion led to the dissolution of the East India Company in 1858. it also led the British to reorganize the army, the financial system and the administration in India. The country was thereafter directly governed by the crown as the new British Raj.
Regimental Victoria Cross Holders ( Indian Mutiny )
Henry Addison, VC February 1821 – 18th June 1887)
Henry Addison was about 37 years old, and a private in the 43rd ( Monmouthshire ) Regiment of Foot (later The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the incident for which he was awarded the VC took place on 2 January 1859 near Kurrereah, India.
Addison was recommended for the VC in a dispatch from Lieutenant-Colonel F. Gottreux, “commanding Field Detachment, to the Assistant Adjutant General Saugor Field Division on January 15, 1859”.
“ Whilst in the neighbourhood of Kurrereah… chasing retreating mutineers… Lieutenant Osborne, Political Agent of Rewab, was wounded by a sword cut on the right hand. He was at the time he was attacked, closely followed by three men of the 43rd Light Infantry, two men of the artillery being a few paces in front of him. Private Henry Addison, of the 43rd Light Infantry, seeing him attacked and on the ground, rushed forward to defend and cover him in a most gallant manner.
In doing this, I much regret having to record, that he received two very severe sword cuts, one on the left leg which rendered immediate amputation of the limb above the knee necessary, and another causing compound fracture of the left fore-arm. The heroism displayed by Private Addison in thus placing himself between Lieutenant Osborne and his assailant at the critical juncture he did, thereby saving that officer’s life, may, I hope, be deemed worthy of the Victoria Cross, for which honour I earnestly beg to recommend him.
His injuries were recorded later in the dispatch as follows:
“ GENERAL RETURN of Casualties at the Engagement at Kurrereah, 2nd January, 1859.
Private Henry Addison (3232): Sword cut on left knee joint; compound fracture of left forearm from sword cut Dangerously wounded — amputation above the knee performed on the field
His citation was recorded in the London Gazette as follows:
” Private Henry Addison. Date of Act of Bravery 2nd January, 1859.
For gallant conduct on the 2nd of January, 1859, near Kurrereah, in defending, against a large force, and saving the life of Lieutenant Osborn, Political Agent, who had fallen on the ground wounded. Private Addison received two dangerous wounds, and lost a leg, in this gallant service.
He was also awarded an Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. His Victoria Cross is now displayed at RGJ / Rifles Museum in the former Peninsula Barracks
Valentine Bambrick VC (13th April 1837 – 1st April 1864)
Valentine was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 21 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles (later The Kings Royal Rifle Corps), of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 6th of May 1858 at Bareilly,India for which he was awarded the VC as recorded in the London Gazette:
“ For conspicuous bravery at Bareilly, on the 6th of May, 1858, when in a Serai, he was attacked by three Ghazees, one of whom he cut down. He was wounded twice on this occasion.
Troubles Begins
Bambrick seems to have had an exemplary military record until May 1859 when his first punishment is recorded when he was jailed – possibly for insubordination – and was again jailed in July and November of the same year. When in 1860 the 1st Battalion returned to the United Kingdom it did so without Bambrick, who may have been serving a further sentence in a military jail. He transferred to the 87th Regiment which by 1862 was stationed at Curragh Camp in Ireland. In July 1862 Bambrick was back in jail and in March 1863 he received a sentence of 160 days for desertion. It seems likely that Bambrick had a problem with alcohol. He had arrived at Aldershot in November 1863 just prior to being discharged from the Army and within 24 hours found himself in trouble again – this time with the civilian authorities.
Incident at Aldershot
On 12 December 1863 Bambrick appeared at the Winchester Assizes before Mr. Ju at Aldershotstice Baron Pigott. There Valentine Bambrick, a soldier, and Charlotte Johnson, spinster, without occupation, were indicted for violently assaulting Henry Milner Russell (1828-1894), and stealing from his person four medals, of the value of 30s. at Aldershot, on 15 November 1863. Russell had married Eliza née Avery in 1861 and had been in Camp at Aldershot since at least the same year.
Bambrick’s version of the incident was that he had been passing the lodging-house in Pickford Street where Russell resided and had gone to the assistance of a prostitute calling “Murder!” who was being attacked by Lance-Corporal Henry Russell of the Commissariat Department. Russell was unable to fend off the stronger Bambrick and during the ensuing struggle Russell’s medals fell from his breast. Bambrick claimed that after the fight he had picked these medals up and placed them on a mantlepiece, from where they disappeared. Bambrick stated he had no interest in Russell’s medals as he himself had the Victoria Cross and the pension that went with it.
Bambrick appeared before Mr Justice Baron Pigott – The Pictorial World (1875)
However, the Court accepted Russell’s version of events:
Mr H. T. Cole prosecuted. It appeared that the prisoners were standing at the door of a lodging house in Pickford Street, Aldershot, at night, on November 15. Russell, who was lance-corporal in the commissariat department, came up. Bambrick asked Russell to drink, and he took some beer out of his pint. They then went into Russell’s room, who lodged in the house, and Russell said he would stand some beer, and he was in the act of giving the female prisoner some money to get the beer when Bambrick seized him by the throat, threw him on the bed, and tore from his breast four silver medals, one for the Punjab, one for the Sutlej, and one for the Crimea.
Russell called “Murder,” and his cries were heard by some of the other soldiers, who rushed in and took Bambrick from off Russell, and he was conveyed to the guardhouse. Two of the medals were afterwards found in the passage, Russell was insensible, having been nearly choked. Bambrick made a long address to the jury. He stated that he had been in the service 10 years, and would have been discharged the day after the occurrence.
He had a pension of £10 a year, and, what was dearer to a soldier than any other medal, a Victoria Cross, but he would tell the jury the real facts.
On that night, as he was walking with the female prisoner towards this house, in which she also lodged, he heard cries of “Murder.” He hastened and ran into the house, and saw a girl named Hayley coming out of Russell’s room. She was crying, and said that Russell had beaten her and nearly strangled her. He went into the room and struck Russell, and they had a struggle together, and then the soldiers came in and took him up.
These facts he could have proved on the first day of the assizes, because then Hayley was in Winchester, but as she was what was called an “unfortunate,” she could not afford to remain in Winchester.
The learned Judge having summed up, the jury found the prisoner guilty.
The Judge said he should defer passing sentence till the morning. Bambrick replied, “it is of no consequence what you do now. I don’t care about losing my pension; but I have lost my position. I don’t care what you do with me. You may hang me if you like.”
This morning his Lordship passed sentence. He said, “Valentine Bambrick, I don’t know that I ever had a more painful duty than in considering your case. I have felt great anxiety about it, and have considered everything you urged in your defence; but the evidence which satisfied the jury has satisfied me, and it does appear to me to be as clear a case as ever was tried. You say you had a witness, and that witness might have put some other construction on the matter. If you had made an application to have your trial postponed, I should have been the first to listen to your application, and I can’t help thinking, from the intelligence you displayed, you must have been aware that you could have made such an application. I am bound to say that I don’t think any witness could have altered the facts. You were found in a deadly struggle with another man. He was under you, and witness said that when he found you Russell was almost choked and suffocated by the pressure of your hand on his throat. It is perfectly clear he was robbed of his medals, and of them were found at the house where the woman lodged. How could they have come there? How did they come from the breast of Russell? I have no doubt you have exhibited great gallantry and great courage, and have well entitled yourself to the Victoria Cross. Had it not been for your character, I should have put in force the provisions of a recent statute and subjected you to personal castigation, but, as it, is I deal with your case with great regret. I should have been delighted if the jury could have seen their way to a doubt. I believe that you must have been under the influence of drink, for there was no adequate motive for your act, for the medals are only of trifling value.
Your punishment must be very severe. It must be penal servitude for three years.
With regard to you, Charlotte Johnson, you took a very subordinate part in the affair..”
Bambrick, holding up the girl’s hand, said, “Look at this small hand, my lord; it is absurd to suppose she could have done much against a strong man. She was merely in the room.”
The Judge replied, “l say she only took a subordinate part. I shall not punish her so severely as the male prisoner. She must be imprisoned, with hard labour, for 12 months.”
Bambrick then shouted, “There won’t be a bigger robber in England than I shall be when I come out.”
In reality, Russell’s account of what had happened in Aldershot seems unlikely; his pride had probably been hurt at being soundly beaten by Bambrick and as a married man he would not have been keen to explain either to his wife or his commanding officer that he had lost his medals while beating a prostitute in his room. However, Bambrick did not endear himself to the Court because of his confrontational manner, and despite Russell being the only witness for the prosecution Bambrick and Johnson were found guilty.
Suicide
The Aldershot Military Gazette of 26 September 1863 recorded that:
“On Thursday a most determined attempt of suicide was made by a soldier named Valentine Bambrick, of the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers, who, for some acts of gallantry was decorated with a Victoria Cross. It appears that in the course of the previous night (Wednesday), Bambrick was observed with a female in his room; was immediately apprehended, and conveyed to the guard-room. At about twelve o’clock the prisoner was being removed for the purpose of being brought before the commanding-officer, when seeing razor lying conveniently picked it up, and without the slightest hesitation drew it across his throat, inflicting a fearful gash. He then as rapidly drew the instrument down both sides of his chest, inflicting dangerous wounds. At this time the razor was wrested from him, and medical aid was at once summoned. Bambrick is now, we understand, doing as well as could be expected, and is likely to recover. The female, who was perhaps the cause of his committing the rash act, came with him from Ireland, and appears (as does the unfortunate fellow himself) very anxious for an interview. However, there is a strict guard kept over him, and as it is necessary that he should be kept extremely quiet, it is not probable she will have her liberty granted her, at present, at all events.”
Valentine Bambrick committed suicide by hanging by his pocket handkerchief from the handle of the ventilator behind the cell door in Pentonville Prison, London on 1 April 1864
“MELANCHOLY SUICIDE IN PENTONVILLE PRISON
An inquiry of a melancholy character was instituted by Dr. Lankester on Tuesday evening at the Pentonville Model Prison, relative to the death of a prisoner, Valentine Bambrick aged twenty-eight years (sic), who was found dead and hanging in his cell on Friday evening last. Last week a similar inquest was held. Mr Charles Lawrence Bradley, medical officer of the prison, said he had been told that he (prisoner) fretted, as he was being unjustly punished for a crime of which be was not guilty. His mind was no doubt impaired, and he had suffered from delirium tremens. A letter was written on slate by deceased which might be worth the attention of the jury He left a last letter, written, apparently, on slate, to his family.”
Bambrick’s last letter read:
“My dear, dear Friends and Family, – Becoming quite tired of my truly miserable existence, I am about to rush into the presence of my Maker uncalled unasked. To you I appeal for forgiveness and pardon for all the unhappiness I have ever caused you. I dare not ask for mercy of God. I am doing that which admits of no pardon, but if He will hear my prayer. I pray to Him to grant you consolation in your hour of affliction, for I know that, notwithstanding all my faults, that love which you always manifested towards me is not withheld yet, and therefore the news of my unfortunate fate will make time sorrowful. Pray for your unfortunate son.
“VAL BAMBRICK.
P.S.-Before I die I protest solemnly my entire innocence of the charge for which I was punished, all but the assault, and that was done under the circumstances before mentioned to you in my letter. God bless you all Love to all my relations. Pity even while you condemn. Poor Val.
Bambrick was buried in an unmarked grave in St Pancras and Islington Cemetery which could not be located, but a memorial plaque to him was placed in 2002. The location of his Victoria Cross is unknown.
Henry Milner Russell (1828-1894) of the Commissariat Staff lived for another 30 years after the death of Bambrick. He had been born in Maidstone in Kent, and here too he ended his days. He became an Out-Pensioner of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 1869. On the 1881 Census he is listed as a Coachman and an Out-Pensioner of the Royal Hospital at Chelsea and living at Tonbridge Road in Maidstone, while the 1891 Census records him as an Army Pensioner and living with his second wife (whom he had married in 1861) in Laurel Place in Maidstone.
John Divane VC (Also known as DEVINE and DUANE) (November 1823 – 1 December 1888) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was approximately 34 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles (later The Kings Royal Rifle Corps of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 10 September 1857 at Delhi, India for which he was awarded the VC:
For distinguished gallantry in heading a successful charge made by the Beeloochee and Seikh Troops on one of the Enemy’s trenches before Delhi, on the 10th of September, 1857. He leaped out of our trenches, closely followed by the Native Troops, and was shot down from the top of the Enemy’s breastworks. Elected by the Privates of the Regiment.
He was born in Carrabane, County Galway and died at 1 New Street, Penzance, Cornwalll on 1 December 1888 and is buried in Penzance cemetery. Apparently only semi-literate, Duane put ‘the tail’ on the wrong side of his ‘u’ on his signature, which led to confusion about the correct spelling of his surname in official records. Duane is one of several soldiers from Carrabane (modern Kilconierin-Lickerrig-Clostoken parish) to fight with distinction in theatres of war throughout the nineteenth century.
Stephen Garvin VC (1826 – 23rd November 1874), born in Cashel, County Tipperary, was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Garvin was around 31 years old, and a colour – sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 23 June 1857 at Delhi, India for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross:
For daring and gallant conduct before Delhi on the 23rd of June, 1857, in volunteering to lead a small party of men, under a heavy fire, to the ” Sammy House,” for the purpose of dislodging a number of the Enemy in position there, who kept up a destructive fire on the advanced battery of heavy guns, in which, after a sharp contest, he succeeded. Also recommended for gallant conduct throughout the operations before Delhi.
He died Chesterton Oxfordshire 23rd November 1874 and is buried in Chesterton Cambridgeshire (not Oxfordshire).
The medal in private ownership.
David Hawkes VC (1822 – 14th August 1858) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Imperial forces.
Hawkes was 35 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade ( Prince Consort`s Own of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he, Henry Wilmot and William Nash were awarded the VC:
Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion. Private David Hawkes
Date of Act of Bravery, 11th March, 1858
” For conspicuous gallantry at Lucknow on the 11th March, 1858. Captain Wilmot’s Company was engaged with :a large body of the enemy, near the Iron Bridge. That officer found himself at the end of a street with only four of his men, opposed to a considerable body. One of the four was shot through both legs, and became utterly helpless: the two men lifted him up, and although Private Hawkes was severely wounded, he carried him for a considerable distance, exposed to the fire of the enemy, Captain Wilmot firing with the men’s rifles, and covering the retreat of the party. Despatch of Brigadier-General Walpole, C.B., dated 20th of March, 1858
Robert Hawthorne VC (1822 – 2 February 1879) born in Maghera, County Londonderry was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was approximately 35 years old, and a Bugler in the 52nd ( Oxfordshire ) Regiment of Foot (later the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry) of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed at Delhi took place for which he was awarded the VC:
52nd Regiment, Bugler Robert Hawthorne
Date of Act of Bravery, 14th September, 1857
” Bugler Hawthorne, who accompanied the explosion party, not only performed the dangerous duty on which he was employed, but previously attached himself to Lieutenant Salkeld, of the Engineers, when dangerously wounded, bound up his wounds under a heavy musketry fire, and had him removed without further injury.”
He died in Manchester, Lancashire on 2 February 1879.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the RGJ / Rifles Museum in the former Peninsula Barracks
Colonel Alfred Spencer Heathcote VC (29th March 1832 – 21st February 1912) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Heathcote was 25 years old, and a lieutenant in the 60th Rifles ( Later The Kings Royal Rifle Corps ) of the British Army during the Indian Mutinywhen the following deed took place at the Seige of Delhi for which he was awarded the VC:
60th Rifles, Lieutenant Alfred Spencer Heathcote
” For highly gallant and daring conduct at Delhi throughout the Siege, from June to September, 1857, during which he was wounded. He volunteered for services of extreme danger, especially during the six days of severe fighting in the streets after the Assault. Elected by the Officers of his Regiment.
He later achieved the rank of colonel and emigrated to Australia. He is buried at St James Anglican Churchyard, Bowral, New South Wales, Australia (Grave to left of entrance. Headstone). There is also a memorial for him at St. James’ Anglican Church, Sydney, New South Wales
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Victoria Barracks in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
William Nash VC (23rd April 1824 – 6th April 1875) born in Newcastle, County Limerick he was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Nash was a 33 year old corporal in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade ( Prince Consort`s Own of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:
On the 11th of March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Corporal Nash’s company was engaged with a large number of the enemy near the Iron Bridge. At one stage a captain ( Henry Wilmot ) found himself at the end of a street with only four of his men opposed to a considerable body of the enemy. One of the men was shot through both legs and Corporal Nash and a private ( David Hawkes ) (who was himself severely wounded) lifted the man up and they then carried him for a considerable distance, the captain covering the retreat of the party.
He later achieved the rank of sergeant. He died Hackney, Middlesex, 6th of April 1875 and was buried at the Church of St John-at-Hacney
Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps VC (28 May 1835 – 17 September 1857) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
After attending St Edmund’s College, Ware, in 1854 Everard Phillipps sailed for India to join the 11th Bengal Native Infantry. When the Indian Mutiny broke out in 1857, Phillipps’ regiment was amongst the first to revolt.
When the Queen’s proclamation against the insurgents came, he had to read it out as he could speak the native tongue. Riding boldly forward while the bullets whistled round him, he began to read the proclamation, but before he got to the end of the first sentence his horse was shot from under him, and he fell to the ground, himself wounded by a stray bullet.
Undeterred, he sprang to his feet and read through the whole proclamation from beginning to end before taking cover.
On the desertion of the Bengal Infantry, he then joined the 60th Rifles. He performed many gallant deeds, and in the months before his death he was wounded three times.
At the Siege of Delhi, he captured the Water Bastion with a small party and was killed in the streets on the 17th of September 1857. His death was recorded in the London Gazette on 18th of September.
Ensign Phillipps was awarded the Victoria Cross fifty years after his death.
His citation reads:
London Gazette, 21st October, 1859.
“Ensign Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps, of the 11th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, would have been recommended to Her Majesty for the decoration of the Victoria Cross, had he survived, for many gallant deeds which he performed during the Siege of Delhi, during which he was wounded three times. At the assault of that city he captured the Water Bastion with a small party of men, and was finally killed in the streets of Delhi on the 18th of September.”
His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.
Same (John) Shaw VC (Unknown – 27th December 1859) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Shaw was a private in the 3rd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort`s Own of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 13th June 1858 at Lucknow, India for which he was awarded the VC:
Rifle Brigade (3rd Battalion)
Private Same Shaw
Date-of Act of Bravery, 13th June, 1858.
” For the Act of Bravery recorded in a despatch from Major-General James Hope Grant, K.C.B., Commanding the LucknowField Force, to the Deputy Adjutant-General of the Army, of which the following is an extract:
“Nowabegunge, 17th June, 1858. “I have to bring to notice the conduct of Private Same Shaw, of the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, who is recommended by his Commanding Officer for the Victoria Cross, An armed rebel had been seen to enter a tope of trees. Some officers and men ran into the tope in pursuit of him. This man was a Ghazee. Private Shaw drew his short sword, and with that weapon rushed single-handed on the Ghazee. Shaw received a severe tulwar wound, but after a desperate struggle, he killed the man.” ” I trust his Excellency will allow me to recommend this man for the Victoria Cross, and that he will approve of my having issued a Division Order, stating that I have done so.
He later achieved the rank of corporal.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the RGJ / Rifles Museum in the former Peninsula Barracks
Henry Smith VC (1825 – 18th August 1862) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Smith was about 32 years old, and a lance corporal in the 52nd ( Oxfordshire ) Regiment of Foot ( later the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry ) of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 14 September 1857 at Delhi, India for which he was awarded the VC:
” Lance-Corporal Smith most gallantly carried away a wounded comrade under a heavy fire of grape and musketry on the Chaundee Chouck, in the city of Delhi, on the morning of the assault on the 14th September, 1857.
(General Order of Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart., K.C.B., dated Head Quarters, Delhi City, September 21, 1857.)
He later achieved the rank of sergeant, and died of cholera while serving in India. He was buried in a mass grave
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the RGJ / Rifles Museum in the former Peninsula Barracks
William Sutton VC (1830 – 16th February 1888) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Sutton was about 27 years old, and a bugler in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles ( later The Kings Royal Rifle Corps, of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 13th September 1857 at Delhi, India for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
60th Rifles (1st Battalion)
Bugler William Sutton. Date of Act of Bravery, 13th September, 1857
” For gallant conduct at Delhi on the 13th of September, 1857, the night previous to the Assault, in volunteering to reconnoitre the breach. This Soldier’s conduct was conspicuous throughout the operations, especially on the 2nd of August, 1857, on which occasion, during an attack by the Enemy in force, he rushed forward over the trenches, and killed one of the Enemy’s Buglers, who was in the act of sounding. Elected by the Privates of the Regiment.
Commemorating the valiant deeds of JAMES THOMPSON who was born in Yoxall in 1833[sic]. Served in the 1st Battalion 60th Rifles and was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1857 for his gallant conduct during the Indian Mutiny.
(William) James Thompson VC (1830 – 5 December 1891) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Thompson was about 27 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles ( King Royal Rifle Corps )of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 9 July 1857 at Delhi, British India
For gallant conduct in saving the life of his captain (Captain Wilton), on the 9th of July, 1857, by dashing forward to his relief, when that officer was surrounded by a party of Ghazees, who made a sudden rush on him, from a serai – and killing two of them before further assistance could reach. Also recommended for conspicuous conduct throughout the siege
Thompson was one of five men of the 1/60th elected under Section 13 of the Royal Warrant to receive the Victoria Cross for the Siege of Delhi. Two months later he was badly wounded in the assault on Delhi on 14 September 1857, the opening day of the battle that lasted until 20 September 1857 when the city was cleared of insurgents. His left arm was amputated and he was invalided out of the Army. The citation, published in the London Gazette of 20 January 1860, concludes with a commendation for his ‘conspicuous conduct throughout the siege’. The citation does not specify Delhi and some sources have interpreted the siege to be the more famous Siege of Lucknow although Thompson was not at Lucknow. The 1/60th was part of the Siege of Delhi, the other four 1/60th citations do state Delhi and the action saving the life of Captain Wilton on 9 July 1857 occurred at Delhi. Thompson was at Delhi between July and September 1857 by which time he had been severely wounded and saw no further active service
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the RGJ / Rifles Museum at the former Peninsula Barracks.
In December 2009, a memorial plaque to Thompson and two other recipients of the Victoria Cross, John Henry Carless and Charles George Bonner, was unveiled at the Town Hall in Walsall, England.
There is a small memorial plaque in St Peter’s Church, Yoxall, Staffordshire. It reads:
” Commemorating the valiant deeds of JAMES THOMPSON who was born in Yoxall in 1833[sic]. Served in the 1st Battalion 60th Rifles and was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1857 for his gallant conduct during the Indian Mutiny.
Samuel Turner VC (February 1826 – 13th June 1868) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Turner was 31 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles ( later the Kings Royal Rifle Corps ) of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny, when the following deed on 19 June 1857 at Delhi, India took place for which he was awarded the VC:
Private Samuel Turner. Date of Act of Bravery, 19th June, 1857
” For having, at Delhi, on the night of the 19th of June, 1857, during a severe conflict with the Enemy, who attacked the rear of the Camp, carried off” on his shoulders, under a heavy fire, a mortally wounded Officer, Lieutenant Humphreys, of the Indian Service. During this service, Private Turner was wounded by a sabre cut in the right arm. His gallant conduct saved the above-named Officer from the fate of others, whose mangled remains were not recovered until the following day.George Waller VC (June 1827 – 10 January 1877) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Waller was about 30 years old, and a colour- sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles (later The King’s Royal Rifle Corps) of the British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place at Delhi, British India for which he was awarded the VC.
” For conspicuous bravery at Delhi on the 14th of September, 1857, in charging and capturing the Enemy’s guns near the Cabul Gate; and again, on the 18th of September, 1857, in the repulse of a sudden attack made by the Enemy on a gun near the Chaudney Chouk. Elected by the Non-Commissioned Officers of the Regiment
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the RGJ / Rifles Museum at the former Peninsula Barracks.
Brigadier General Sir Henry Wilmot, 5th Baronet VC KCB (3rd February 1831 – 7th April 1901) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was also a Conservative politician.
Wilmot was born in Chaddesden, Derby, the son of Sir Henry Wilmot (4th Baronet) and his wife Maria Mundy daughter of Edmund Mundy of Shipley Hall.
Wilmot served as a captain in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade ( Prince Consort`s Own ) and fought in the Indian Mutiny. On 11th March 1858 at Lucnow, India, along with Private David Hawkes and Corporal William Nash, the following deed led to his being awarded the Victoria Cross:
Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion. Captain (now Brevet-Major) Henry Wilmot
Date of Act of Bravery, 11th March, 1858
” For conspicuous gallantry at Lucknow on the 11th March, 1858. Captain Wilmot’s Company was engaged with a large body of the enemy, near the Iron Bridge. That officer found himself at the end of a street with only four of his men, opposed to a considerable body. One of the four was shot through both legs, and became utterly helpless: the two men lifted him up, and although Private Hawkes was severely wounded, he carried him for a considerable distance, exposed to the fire of the enemy, Captain Wilmot firing with the men’s rifles, and covering the retreat of the party. Despatch of Brigadier-General Walpole, C.B., dated 20th of March, 1858
He later achieved the rank of Brigadier General.
Wilmot sat as Conservative Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire from 1869 to 1885.
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original source from www.thegazette.co.uk