Dighton Probyn

Surrounded by foes, he fought free and seized their standard

Dighton Macnaghten Probyn was born in London in 1833 and entered the Bengal cavalry in 1849. He became adjutant of the 2nd Punjab Cavalry, serving on the frontier before the Indian rebellion of 1857.

His Victoria Cross recognized sustained courage during that campaign. At Agra on 10 October 1857 he was isolated during a cavalry charge and fought several opponents until his men reached him. In another encounter he continued fighting after a bayonet wounded his wrist and his horse was struck. He also captured an enemy standard. The award was gazetted in June 1858.

Probyn subsequently served in China and on India’s North-West Frontier. His long military career was followed by royal service as comptroller and treasurer in the household of the Prince of Wales and later Queen Alexandra. He became a general and received senior British and foreign honours. He died in 1924.