Victoria Cross: C. J. S. and H. H. Gough

CHARLES JOHN STANLEY GOUGH

Major, 5th Bengal European Cavalry

Born: 20 January 1832, Chittagong, India

Citation: First, for gallantry in an affair at Khurkowdah, near Rhotuck, on the 15th of August, 1857, in which he saved his brother [Lieutenant Hugh Henry Gough], who was wounded, and killed two of the Enemy.
Secondly, for gallantry on the 18th of August, when he led a Troop of the Guide Cavalry in a charge, and cut down two of the Enemy's Sowars, with one of whom he had a desperate hand to hand combat.
Thirdly, for gallantry on the 27th of January, 1858, at Shumshabad, where, in a charge, he attacked one of the Enemy's leaders, and pierced him with his sword, which was carried out of his hand in the melée. He defended himself with his revolver, and shot two of the Enemy.
Fourthly, for gallantry on the 23rd of February, at Meangunge, where he came to the assistance of Brevet-Major O. H. St. George Anson, and killed his opponent, immediately afterwards cutting down another of the Enemy in the same gallant manner.

(London Gazette Issue 22318 dated 21 Oct 1859, published 21 Oct 1859.)




HUGH HENRY GOUGH

Lieutenant, 1st Bengal European Light Cavalry

Born: 14 November 1833, Calcutta, India

Citation: Lieutenant Gough, when in command of a party of Hodson's Horse, near Alumbagh, on the 12th of November, 1857, particularly distinguished himself by his forward bearing in charging across a swamp, and capturing two guns, although defended by a vastly superior body of the enemy. On this occasion he had his horse wounded in two places, and his turban cut through by sword cuts, whilst engaged in combat with three Sepoys.
Lieutenant Gough also particularly distinguished himself, near Jellalabad, Lucknow, on the 25th February, 1858, by showing a brilliant example to his Regiment, when ordered to charge the enemy's guns, and by his gallant and forward conduct, he enabled them to effect their object. On this occasion, he engaged himself in a series of single combats, until at length he was disabled by a musket-ball through his leg, while charging two Sepoys with fixed bayonets. Lieutenant Gough on this day had two horses killed under him, a shot through his helmet, and another through his scabbard, besides being severely wounded.

(London Gazette Issue 22212 dated 24 Dec 1858, published 24 Dec 1858.)


Note: Two brothers who were both awarded the Victoria Cross for service in India. C J S Gough's son, Brevet Major John Edmond Gough, was also awarded the Victoria Cross, for action in British Somaliland on 22 Apr 1903.