David Spence

A cavalry rescue brought one wounded comrade out from danger

David Spence was a Scottish soldier whose Victoria Cross recognized the rescue of a wounded fellow lancer during the Indian Rebellion. Born in Inverkeithing, Fife, in 1818, he worked as a blacksmith before entering the Army. He married Elspet Mathieson in 1835 and enlisted in the 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers at Belfast on 31 May 1838.

Spence accompanied the regiment to India in 1842. He fought at Punniar in 1843 and Sobraon in 1846, then served in the Punjab campaign at Chilianwala and Goojerat. Promoted through the non-commissioned ranks, he was an experienced troop sergeant major when the Indian Rebellion began in 1857. He took part in the operations around Delhi and Lucknow.

On 17 January 1858, at Shumsabad, Private Kidd was wounded and his horse disabled. Spence went to his assistance amid a large body of opposing troops and brought him to safety. His Victoria Cross was gazetted on 24 December 1858 and presented by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in January 1860.

After returning to Britain in 1859, Spence became regimental sergeant major. He left the 9th Lancers in October 1862 after more than 24 years of service and became a Yeoman of the Guard. He also worked as a mounted coastguard in Falmouth. Following Elspet’s death in 1864, he married Mary Pascoe.

Spence died in London on 17 April 1877 and was buried in Lambeth Cemetery. His grave received a memorial headstone in 2017, following work by his descendants and the regiment. His medals are held in the regimental collection at Derby Museum.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For conspicuous gallantry on the 17th of January, 1858, at Shumsabad, in going to the assistance of Private Kidd, who had been wounded, and his horse disabled, and bringing him out from a large number of rebels. Despatch from Major-General Sir James Hope Grant, K.C.B., dated 8th April, 1858.