DUNCAN CHARLES HOME
Lieutenant, Bengal Engineers
Born: 10 June 1828, Jubbelpore, India
Died: 1 October 1857, Malagarh, India
PHILIP SALKELD
Lieutenant, Bengal Engineers
Born: 13 October 1830, Fontmell Magna, Dorset
Died: 10 October 1857, Bulandshahr, India
Lieutenants Duncan Charles Home and Philip Salkeld, Bengal Engineers, upon whom the Victoria Cross was provisionally conferred by Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart., K.C.B., for their conspicuous bravery in the performance of the desperate duty of blowing in the Cashmere Gate of the Fortress of Delhi, in broad daylight, under a heavy fire of musketry, on the morning of the 14th September, 1857, preparatory to the assault, would have been recommended to Her Majesty for confirmation in that distinction, had they survived.
[London Gazette issue 22154 dated 18 Jun 1858, published 18 Jun 1858.]
Note: As originally established in 1856, the Victoria Cross was only awarded to living recipients. This rule was not changed until 1905, by King Edward VII. However, as Home and Salkeld had actually been notified of the award by Major-General Wilson before their deaths, in their case the medals were presented posthumously. (There does not seem to have been any other announcement in the Gazette regarding this.)
JOHN SMITH
Serjeant, Bengal Sappers and Miners
Born: February 1814, Ticknall, Derbyshire
Died: 26 June 1864, Jullunder, India
Citation: " For conspicuous gallantry, in conjunction with Lieutenants Home and Salkeld, in the performance of the desperate duty of blowing in the Cashmere Gate of the fortress of Delhi in broad daylight, under a heavy and destructive fire of musketry, on the morning of the 14th September, 1857, preparatory to the assault."
(General Order of Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart., K.C.B., dated Head Quarters, Delhi City, September 21, 1857.
[London Gazette issue 22131 dated 27 Apr 1858, published 27 Apr 1858.]
ROBERT HAWTHORNE
Bugler, 52nd Regiment
Born: 1822, Maghera, County Londonderry, Ireland
Died: 2 February 1879, Manchester, Lancashire
Citation: " 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."
(General Order of Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart., K.C.B., dated Head Quarters, Delhi City, September 21, 1857.
[London Gazette issue 22131 dated 27 Apr 1858, published 27 Apr 1858.]
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