Charles Pye

He carried ammunition through enemy fire to sustain a fight.

Charles Pye (1820–1876) was a British Army soldier whose long career took him from the Sikh Wars and Indian Rebellion to service with New Zealand forces. Born at Rickerscote near Stafford, he enlisted in the 40th Regiment of Foot in 1840. He later served with the 31st and 53rd Regiments, campaigning in the First and Second Sikh Wars and on the Peshawar frontier. By the Indian Rebellion of 1857, he was sergeant-major of the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment.

Pye earned the Victoria Cross during the British advance into Lucknow in November 1857. On 17 November, troops attacked the fortified Mess House, a strong position near the Sikandar Bagh. Pye repeatedly brought ammunition forward under fire so the regiment could continue fighting. The award was one of the VCs connected with the relief of Lucknow and, under the warrant’s Rule 13, Pye was selected by ballot of his comrades from among men whose conduct was considered equally gallant. He was severely wounded during the wider Indian campaign. In 1858 he received a commission as an ensign for his field service and was later promoted lieutenant and appointed adjutant of the 53rd.

Pye emigrated to New Zealand with his wife in 1862. He was commissioned captain in the Colonial Defence Force during the New Zealand Wars and served in active operations in 1863–65, including at Hairini and Te Ranga. The locality of Pyes Pa, near Tauranga, is associated with his later service. In 1875 he travelled to Australia to visit relatives. He died the following year at Kirkstall, Victoria, after falling ill with bronchitis, and was buried at Tower Hill Cemetery near Koroit. His medals are held by Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Official Victoria Cross citation

> For steadiness and fearless conduct under fire at Lucknow on the 17th November 1857, when bringing up ammunition to the Mess House and on every occasion when the regiment has been engaged.