Henry Ramage

He rode into gunfire to rescue comrades and carry them back.

Henry Ramage was born at Morningside, Edinburgh, in 1827. He joined the 2nd Dragoons, the Royal Scots Greys, and was serving as a private during the Crimean campaign. His service brought him into the heavy cavalry's fighting at Balaklava.

On 25 October 1854, he saw Private McPherson surrounded by Russian soldiers. Ramage rode to his aid, scattered the attackers and enabled him to escape. Later, during the same day's fighting, he dismounted to bring another man away from the enemy. When the Heavy Brigade covered the withdrawal of the Light Brigade, he found Private Gardiner incapacitated by a severe leg injury. Ramage lifted him from his horse and carried him out through crossfire before Russian cavalry occupied the ground.

The Victoria Cross recognized these repeated interventions. The War Office notice was dated 2 June 1858 and published in the London Gazette on 4 June. Queen Victoria presented his medal at Southsea Common on 2 August 1858. He subsequently reached the rank of sergeant.

His life after the war was brief. Still associated with the cavalry, he died at Newbridge, County Kildare, on 29 December 1859, aged about 32, and was buried there. His decoration later entered the regimental museum collection at Edinburgh Castle.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For having, at the Battle of Balaklava, galloped out to the assistance of Private McPherson, of the same Regiment, on perceiving him surrounded by seven Russians, when by his gallantry he dispersed the enemy, and saved his comrade’s life. For having, on the same day, when the Heavy Brigade was rallying, and the enemy retiring, finding his horse would not leave the ranks, dismounted and brought in a prisoner from the Russian lines. Also for having dismounted on the same day, when the Heavy Brigade was covering the retreat of the Light Cavalry, and lifted from his horse Private Gardiner, who was disabled from a severe fracture of the leg by around shot. Serjeant Ramage then carried him to the rear from under a very heavy cross fire, thereby saving his life, the spot where he must inevitably have fallen having been immediately afterwards covered by the Russian cavalry

The London Gazette of 4 June 1858, Numb. 22149, p. 2756