Victoria Cross Recipients

During the Battle of Inkerman, he bravely charged into the Sand Bag Battery, followed by the Guards, despite heavy Russian musketry fire. He found himself nearly surrounded by Russians and without ammunition, but managed to extricate his men and bring them to safety under heavy fire. His actions saved around fifty men and enabled them to continue fighting. Colonel Percy received commendation from the Duke of Cambridge for his bravery.

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“Offered to dislodge a party of Russians from the Sand-bag Battery, if any one would follow him; Sergeant Norman, Privates Anthony Palmer and Bailey (who was killed) volunteered the first. The attack succeeded.” 

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On October 28, 1854, he demonstrated exceptional bravery while leading the Coldstream Guards’ sharpshooters holding Windmill Ravine against a much larger enemy force, killing 38 and capturing three. Also, in November, he surprised a picket of the enemy at the bottom of the same ravine, capturing valuable enemy equipment.

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When the formation of the line of the Regiment was disordered at Alma, Captain Lindsay stood firm with the Colours, and by his example and energy, greatly tended to restore order. At Inkerman, at a most trying moment, he, with a few men, charged a party of Russians, driving them back, and running one through the body himself.

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On 31 Dec 1858, he displayed exceptional bravery by volunteering to rescue Captain Stisted and some men of the 7th Hussars from drowning in the River Raptee, despite being under heavy musket fire. He successfully completed the rescue, even though he was partially disabled from a severe wound received earlier in the year. This act of gallantry occurred while pursuing rebels during the Indian Mutiny.

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Selected for the Victoria Cross by their companions in the gallant charge made by a squadron of the Regiment at Gwalior, on the 17th of June, 1858, when, supported by a division of the Bombay Horse Artillery, and Her Majesty’s 95th Regiment, they routed the enemy, who were advancing against Brigadier Smith’s position, charged through the rebel camp into two batteries, capturing and bringing into their camp two of the enemy’s guns, under a heavy and converging fire from the Fort and Town.

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He displayed remarkable bravery on January 2, 1858, at Khodagunge by pursuing and overtaking two Sepoys carrying a standard. Despite the Sepoys turning and presenting their muskets at him, he managed to cut down the standard-bearer and take possession of the standard. On the same day, he also killed another Sepoy who was threatening a horseman with a musket and bayonet.

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This officer steadily and cheerily pushed on with his men, and bore down the desperate opposition of the enemy, though with the loss of one-third of his Artillerymen. Sir James Outram adds, that this attack appeared to him to indicate no reckless or 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. (Extract from Field Force Orders of the late Major- General Havelock, dated 17th October, 1857.) 

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For conspicuous bravery, in having at Lucknow, on the 13th of March, 1858, under a heavy musketry fire, within fifty yards, jumped on the sand bags of a battery, and extinguished a fire among them. He was dangerously wounded in performing this service. 

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For distinguished gallantry in swimming the Ditches, and entering the North Taku Fort by an embrasure during the assault. They were the first of the English established on the walls of the Fort, which they entered in the order in which their names are here recorded, each one being assisted by the others to mount the embrasure.

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On October 30, 1863, acting as a volunteer, he  led a party to recapture the Crag Picquet after its garrison had been driven in by the enemy, resulting in sixty casualties in hand-to-hand combat. Despite the challenging terrain, he advanced with great coolness and intrepidity, being the first to reach the top of the Crag on his side of the attack. After Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes was wounded, Fosbery assembled a party to pursue the routed enemy, inflicting further losses and securing the post.

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For conspicuous coolness and gallantry at the action on the Asmai Heights, near Kabul, on the 14 Dec 1879, in defending the top of the hill with a rifle and fixed bayonet, against large numbers of the enemy, while the 72nd Highlanders and Guides were retiring; and again, on the retreat down the hill, in stopping to assist in carrying away a wounded Sepoy, the enemy being not sixty yards off, firing heavily all the time.

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For conspicuous gallantry and coolness displayed by him on the 13th December, 1879, at the attack on the Sherpur Pass, in Afghanistan, in having exposed himself to the full fire of the enemy, and by his example and encouragement rallied the men who, having been beaten back, were, at the moment, wavering at the top of the hill.

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Colonel Buller displayed exceptional bravery during the retreat at Inhlobana on March 28, 1879. He rescued Captain C. D’Arcy and Lieutenant C. Everitt of the Frontier Light Horse, carrying them on separate occasions to safety on his horse while being pursued by Zulus. Later, he saved a trooper whose horse was exhausted, preventing him from being killed by the Zulus who were close behind.

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For gallant conduct in having at great personal risk, during the retirement of the reconnoitering party across the “White Umvolosi River” on 3rd July last, turned to assist Sergeant Fitzmaurice, 1st Battalion 24th Foot (whose horse had fallen with him), mounted him behind him on his horse, and brought him away in safety under the close fire of the Zulus who were in great force, and coming on quickly. Lord Beresford’s position was rendered most dangerous from the fact that Fitzmaurice twice nearly pulled him from his horse.

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Captain Wilson, on the staff of Rear-Admiral Sir William Hewett, took the place of the mortally wounded Lieutenant Royds during the Battle of El-Teb on February 29th. As the troops advanced, he engaged in single combat with the enemy to protect his detachment until reinforcements arrived. Despite being wounded, Captain Wilson remained with the half battery throughout the day.

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For conspicuous bravery displayed by him during the battle of Tel-el-Kebir, on the 13th September, 1882, in leading a party of the Highland Light Infantry to storm aredoubt. Lieutenant Edwards(who wasin advance of his party) with great gallantry rushed alone into the battery, killed the Artillery Officer in charge,and was himself knocked down by a gunner with a rammer, and only rescued by the timely arrival of three men of his Regiment. 

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On the 22nd Sep 1898, during the action of Gedarif, Captain Hore-Ruthven, seeing an Egyptian officer lying wounded within 50 yards of the advancing Dervishes, who were firing and charging, picked him up and carried him towards the 16th Egyptian Battalion. He dropped the wounded officer two or three times, and fired upon the Dervishes, who were following, to check their advance. Had the officer been left where he first dropped, he must have been killed. 

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During the fighting at Nawa Kili in Upper Swat on August 17, 1897, Lieutenant-Colonel R. B. Adams, along with Lieutenants H. L. S. MacLean and Viscount Fincastle, and five men of the Guides, went under heavy fire to rescue Lieutenant R. T. Greaves of the Lancashire Fusiliers 1. Unfortunately, Lieutenant Greaves was killed by a bullet while being brought under cover, and Lieutenant MacLean was mortally wounded. Additionally, the horses of Lieutenant-Colonel Adams and Lieutenant Viscount Fincastle, as well as two troop horses, were shot.

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On 14 Oct 1899, he led his squadron of the Protectorate Regiment to assist an armoured train from Mafeking, successfully relieving it and inflicting heavy losses on the Boers. On 27 Oct 1899, he led a night attack on an enemy trench, driving the enemy out with significant losses and personally accounting for four enemies. Major General Baden-Powell praised his extraordinary spirit and fearlessness, stating that without it, the attacks would have failed. On 26 Dec 1899, during the action at Game Tree, he again distinguished himself by his coolness and courage, despite being severely wounded.

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On 13 Mar 1900, a party of soldiers had to charge through a Boer picquet and cross four deep spruits to return through the Boer lines. Sapper Webb’s horse failed at the fourth spruit, leaving him in a dangerous position, but Sergeant Engleheart returned under heavy fire to assist Webb and his horse, successfully getting them back to safety. Earlier, Engleheart had also shown great bravery by charging into the first spruit, which was full of Boers, preventing them from rallying and overwhelming the small British party.

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On the 7th August, 1900, when on patrol duty near Essenbosch Farm, Sergeant Lawrence and a Private Hayman were attacked by 12 or 14 Boers. Private Hayman’s horse was shot, and the man was thrown, dislocating his shoulder. Sergeant Lawrence at once came to his assistance, extricated him from under the horse, put him on his own horse, and sent him on to the picket. Sergeant Lawrence took the soldier’s carbine, and with his own carbine as well, kept the Boers off until Private Hayman was safely out of range. He then retired for some two miles on foot, followed by the Boers, and keeping them off till assistance arrived.

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At Colenso on the 15th December 1899, the detachments serving the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field Artillery, had all been killed, wounded, or driven from their guns by Infantry fire at close range, and the guns were deserted.

About 500 yards behind the guns was a donga in which some of the few horses and drivers left alive were sheltered. The intervening space was swept with shell and rifle fire.

Captain Congreve, Rifle Brigade, who was in the donga, assisted to hook a team into a limber, went out, and assisted to limber up a gun. Being wounded, he took shelter; but, seeing Lieutenant Roberts fall, badly wounded, he went out again and brought him in. Captain Congreve was shot through the leg, through the toe of his boot, grazed on the elbow and the shoulder, and his horse shot in three places.

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During the action at Daratoleh, on 22nd April last, Major Gough assisted Captains Walker and Rolland in carrying back the late Captain Bruce (who had been mortally wounded)and preventing that Officer from falling into the hands of the enemy. Captains Walkerand Rolland have already been awarded the Victoria Cross for their gallantry on this occasion, but Major Gough (who was in command of the column) made no mention of his own conduct, which has only recently been brought to notice.

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During an attack, the first two waves of the battalion were decimated by machine gun and rifle fire. He took personal command of the third line, rallied his men, and led them to capture the enemy machine guns and kill the personnel. His gallantry and initiative turned the tide of the battle, allowing the division to capture critical objectives

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For most conspicuous bravery in the trenches between Cambrin and La Bassee on 3rd August, 1915. At 2 a.m. a German trench mortar bomb landed on the side of the parapet of the communication trench in which he stood, close to a small working party of his Battalion. He might easily have stepped back a few yards round the corner into perfect safety, but, shouting to his men to look out, he rushed at the bomb, seized it and hurled it over the parapet, where it at once exploded. There is no doubt that this splendid combination of presence of mind and courage saved the lives of many of the working party.

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For gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Andregnies, Belgium, on 24th August, 1914, and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day.

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He displayed exceptional bravery while leading a raiding party. Despite being severely wounded by a bomb that mutilated his right hand, he continued to direct operations with unflinching courage, cheering on and directing his men. Even after receiving two more wounds while assisting in the rescue of other wounded men. He refused assistance and walked unaided until he fainted and was carried in by the covering party.

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He displayed exceptional bravery and devotion to duty during a fourteen-day period preceding his death in action. He conducted personal reconnaissances, led his battalion under fire, and established himself in exposed positions to observe and direct operations. Despite suffering from gas and shell effects, he assisted in rescuing the wounded and was ultimately killed while writing a report after an unsuccessful attack.

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He displayed exceptional bravery and resourcefulness while commanding a Machine Gun Section under heavy fire. Despite being wounded multiple times, he continued to control his guns, effectively holding up a strong counter-attack and averting a critical situation.

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He displayed great gallantry and disregard for personal danger while leading a party of scouts and Royal Engineers to demolish the enemy’s wire. Despite being severely wounded, he continued to direct his men, putting himself in the line of fire protecting the engineers, until the raid was successfully completed, setting a magnificent example of courage and determination. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his wounds after the operation.

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Captain Gribble displayed exceptional bravery and devotion to duty while commanding the right company of the battalion during an enemy attack. Despite being isolated and having the opportunity to withdraw, he chose to hold his position until further orders were received, inspiring his men to do the same. Completely surrounded, he was seen fighting to the last. His actions significantly delayed the enemy’s advance, allowing the remainder of his brigade and other units to withdraw safely.

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He demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership during an assault, leading his battalion through heavy enemy fire and personally capturing a strong machine gun emplacement. Despite being severely wounded twice, he continued to command and lead his troops until the second objective was secured. His cool bravery and determination inspired his men and significantly contributed to the success of the operation

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He displayed exceptional bravery and leadership while commanding his battalion during an attack under difficult conditions. Despite heavy machine-gun fire, he reorganized his command and led his men to capture the enemy position. Later, he led a party of volunteers to capture a battery of field guns, setting an inspiring example for the entire brigade.

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For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, an officer rushed out of his dug-out upon hearing that the enemy had broken through the outpost line. Unarmed, he led the Reserve Company and Battalion Headquarters to force the enemy back 600 yards, despite being severely wounded. Realizing that his men were greatly outnumbered and suffering heavy casualties, he signaled for them to withdraw, fully aware that this decision would result in his own capture. His prompt and gallant actions gained time for the reserves to move up and occupy the line of defence.

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Lieutenant Drummond volunteered for rescue work in command of M.L. 254. Despite being severely wounded, navigated his vessel into Ostend harbour and rescued two officers and thirty-eight men from the ‘Vindictive’. He remained on the bridge until he collapsed from his wounds, demonstrating exceptional bravery and determination. His actions were crucial in saving the majority of the crew of the ‘Vindictive’.

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 For most conspicuous bravery on 9 Aug 1915, at Yilghin Burnu, Gallipoli Peninsula. After the second capture of the “Green Knoll” his Battalion was forced to retire, leaving some wounded behind, owing to the intense heat from the scrub which had been set on fire. When the retirement was effected Captain Hansen, with three or four volunteers, on his own initiative, dashed forward several times some 300 to 400 yards over open ground into the scrub under a terrific fire, and succeeded in rescuing from inevitable death by burning no less than six wounded men.

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Whilst engaging hostile troops at a low altitude far over the enemy lines, he was attacked by seven aircraft. Early in the engagement, one of his legs was partially severed by an explosive bullet, rendering the machine temporarily unmanageable. Despite his severe injuries, he regained control of the machine and skillfully manoeuvred it, allowing his observer to drive away the enemy aircraft. He then brought the aircraft over friendly lines and landed safely, fainting from exhaustion but insisting on writing his report upon regaining consciousness.

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He displayed exceptional bravery and leadership on 22-23 Oct 1918. When his battalion’s advance was halted by an enemy machine-gun post, he single-handedly rushed the post and killed the crew. Despite being surrounded by hostile machine-gun posts, he led his troops to capture the objective, taking 150 prisoners and several enemy weapons. His valour and leadership were instrumental in securing the flank of his brigade and division, despite heavy casualties.

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For most conspicuous bravery near Loos, on the 8th October, 1915. A strong party of the enemy having captured 200 yards of our trenches, Lance-Serjeant Brooks, on his own initiative, led a party of bombers in the most determined manner, and succeeded in regaining possession of the lost ground. The signal bravery displayed by this Non-commissioned Officer, in the midst of a hail of bombs from the Germans, was of the very first order, and the complete success attained in a very dangerous undertaking was entirely due to his absolute fearlessness, presence of mind and promptitude. 

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During a fierce attack, he defended the north-west corner of “The Vineyard” against repeated Turkish assaults, personally leading and encouraging his men. For 41 hours, he continuously threw bombs and exposed himself to great danger, even volunteering to stay on after relief arrived. Despite enduring bomb fumes, shrapnel injuries, and exhaustion, he successfully repelled several night attacks and reclaimed lost ground. His exceptional courage and leadership were crucial in holding this vital position.

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He demonstrated exceptional bravery, devotion to duty, and self-sacrifice while leading a flank of the Grenadier Guards in an attack on a village. He personally led two platoons, killing thirty enemies, including seven by himself. Despite being surrounded and heavily outnumbered, he and his men repelled multiple attacks throughout the day, even when the enemy brought field guns within 300 yards of their position. In the end, with only 17 men left and no ammunition, he led a final bayonet charge and was last seen in a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, having held back an entire enemy battalion for over ten hours.

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He displayed exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on Point 4080 on 29 Sep 1935. Despite being outnumbered, he took command of the forward troops and maintained heavy and accurate fire on the enemy. Even after being mortally wounded, he continued to communicate the situation to Headquarters and encouraged his men to fight to the last. His actions inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Army.

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Major Sidney displayed exceptional courage and disregard for danger during the action near Carroceto in Feb 1944. Despite being heavily attacked by enemy infantry, he personally led an attack with Tommy guns and hand grenades, driving the enemy out of the gully. Even after being wounded, he continued to engage the enemy and inspire his men, ultimately ensuring the battalion’s position was re-established. His actions had vitally far-reaching consequences on the battle as a whole.

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He commanded the Carrier Platoon, Welsh Guards, during the period of 17-24 May 1940, when his Battalion was part of the garrison of Arras. Despite being wounded, he refused evacuation and led his platoon in covering the withdrawal of over 40 vehicles under heavy enemy fire. He advanced with three Carriers, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, and engaged in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed. His self-sacrifice allowed the transport column to escape unmolested and covered the evacuation of some wounded.

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From 22 to 27 April 1943, he led his company with great gallantry and cheerfulness under heavy mortar fire to repel a German counterattack. He successfully captured and consolidated a high point despite heavy shelling, heat, and water shortages, maintaining the fighting spirit of his company. On 27 April, realizing that an enemy post was holding up their advance, he led a small group to attack it, destroying the machine gun pit and silencing the 88-millimeter gun. Despite being overwhelmed and killed, his actions enabled his company to advance and achieve their objective.

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He led a detachment to attack the headquarters of the German forces in North Africa, 250 miles behind lines, a mission that was extremely hazardous and meant almost certain death. He navigated dangerous terrain in pitch darkness and maintained the morale of his detachment. Upon reaching the target, he boldly led his party to the front door, but was mortally wounded during the attack. Despite his injuries, his fearless leadership and gallantry set an example of supreme self-sacrifice and devotion to duty.

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He commanded a Company of The Royal Norfolk Regiment, establishing a bridgehead over the River Orne in Normandy. On 7 Aug 1944, his company repelled three German counter-attacks, including one involving Tiger and Panther tanks. He displayed outstanding courage and leadership. Despite being wounded, he refused evacuation, reorganized his company, and continued to lead under heavy fire, ultimately driving off the enemy. His actions were crucial in holding the bridgehead and repulsing seven German counter-attacks over thirty-six hours.

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On 28 May 1982, during the Falklands War, he led the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in an assault on well-defended Argentine positions near Darwin and Goose Green. When his battalion was stalled under heavy fire, Jones personally led a charge against a key enemy trench, showing extraordinary bravery despite being fatally wounded in the attempt. His actions inspired his troops, broke the enemy’s resistance, and led to a decisive British victory with the surrender of 1,200 Argentine soldiers. His leadership set the tone for the remainder of the land campaign.

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