Charles Wooden

He rode back under fire to rescue a wounded cavalry officer.

Charles Wooden was born at Kiel and enlisted in the 17th Lancers around 1845. Serving in the Crimean War, he fought at Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman and the siege of Sevastopol. His horse was killed during the Charge of the Light Brigade on 25 October 1854.

After the cavalry withdrew, Wooden returned under heavy fire with surgeon James Mouat to help Lieutenant Colonel William Morris, who lay dangerously wounded in an exposed position. Their intervention saved the officer's life. Wooden's Victoria Cross was gazetted in October 1858.

Promoted through the senior noncommissioned ranks, he became regimental sergeant major in 1856. He subsequently received a commission as lieutenant and quartermaster in the 6th Dragoons in 1860, transferred to the 5th Lancers in 1865 and later joined the 104th Bengal Fusiliers. His medals also reflected service in India and recognition from France and the Ottoman Empire.

Wooden died at Dover in April 1876 and was buried in St James's Cemetery.

Official Victoria Cross citation (London Gazette, 26 October 1858):

For having after the retreat of the Light Cavalry at the Battle of Balaclava, being instrumental, together with Dr. James Mouat, C.B., in saving the life of Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, C.B., 17th Lancers, by proceeding under a heavy fire to his assistance, when he was lying very dangerously wounded in an exposed situation.