Henry Smith

Went back through heavy fire to save a wounded man at Delhi.

Henry Smith was born at Thames Ditton, Surrey, in 1825. He enlisted in the 52nd Regiment of Foot in February 1853 and accompanied it to India. He was a lance corporal during the assault on Delhi in September 1857.

On 14 September the regiment formed part of the column advancing through the breached Kashmir Gate towards the city's centre. Heavy resistance near the Chandni Chauk forced the troops to withdraw. During that retirement, Smith saw a wounded comrade left in exposed ground. He went forward under fire and brought the man back to safety.

Colonel Campbell mentioned his conduct in a despatch written two days later. His Victoria Cross appeared in the London Gazette on 24 April 1858. The Indian Mutiny Medal with the Delhi clasp recorded his campaign service.

Smith remained with the Army in India and advanced to sergeant. He died of cholera at Gwalior on 18 August 1862. An epidemic caused many deaths, and he was buried that day in an unmarked mass grave. His Victoria Cross and campaign medal are preserved by the Royal Green Jackets collection at Winchester.

Official Victoria Cross citation Lance-Corporal Smith most gallantly carried away a wounded comrade under a heavy fire of grape and musketry on the Chaundee Chouck, in the city of Delhi, on the morning of the assault on the 14th September, 1857.