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Robert Newell (VC)

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Robert Newell
Born1835
Seaham, County Durham
Died11 July 1858 (aged 22–23)
Umballa, British India
Buried
Umballa Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service / branch British Army
RankPrivate
Unit9th Lancers
Battles / warsIndian Mutiny
AwardsVictoria Cross

Robert Newell VC (1835 – 11 July 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 Commonwealth forces.

Private Newell was approximately 23 years old, and a private in the 9th Lancers of the British Army when the following deed on 19 March 1857, during the Indian Mutiny at Lucknow, India led to the award of the Victoria Cross:

Private R. Newell. Date of Act of Bravery, 19th March, 1858

For conspicuous gallantry at Lucknow, on the 19th of March, 1858, in going to the assistance of a comrade whose horse had fallen on bad ground, and bringing him away, under a heavy fire of musketry from a large body of the enemy.

Despatch from Major-General Sir James Hope Grant, K.C.B., dated 8th April, 1858.[1]

He died four months later in India on 11 July 1858.[2] His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "No. 22212". The London Gazette. 24 December 1858. p. 5512.
  2. ^ Burial places of VC recipients