15 November 2009

Victoria Cross: G. S. White

GEORGE STEWART WHITE, CB

Major, 92nd Highlanders

Born: 4 July 1835, Rock Castle Portstewart, County Antrim, Ireland
Died: 24 June 1912, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London

Citation: For conspicuous bravery during the engagement at Charasiah on the 6th October, 1879, when, finding that the artillery and rifle fire failed to dislodge the enemy from a fortified hill which it was necessary to capture, Major White led an attack upon it in person.
Advancing with two companies of his regiment; and climbing from one steep ledge to another, he came upon a body of the enemy, strongly posted, and outnumbering his force by about 8 to 1. His men being much exhausted, and immediate action being necessary, Major White took a rifle and, going on by himself, shot the leader of the enemy. This act so intimidated the rest that they fled round the side of the hill, and the position was won.
Again, on the 1st September, 1880, at the battle of Candahar, Major White, in leading the final charge, under heavy fire from the enemy, who held a strong position and were supported by two guns, rode straight up to within a few yards of them, and seeing the guns, dashed forward and secured one, immediately after which the enemy retired.

(London Gazette Issue 24981 dated 3 Jun 1881, published 3 Jun 1881.)


Note: At the time of his death, he was Field Marshal Sir George Stuart White VC GCB OM GCSI GCMG GCIE GCVO.

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