Hugh Cochrane

Charged ahead to seize an enemy gun and held it until relief

Hugh Stewart Cochrane was born at Fort William, Scotland, on 4 August 1829. He entered the 86th Regiment of Foot as an ensign in April 1849 and served in India. By 1852 he was a lieutenant and adjutant, gaining responsibility for the regiment's organization as well as its battlefield duties.

During the uprising in India, he served with Sir Hugh Rose's Central India Field Force. He was slightly wounded at Chandairee before taking part in the operations around Jhansi. On 1 April 1858 his company received orders to charge a gun. Mounted and well ahead of his men, Cochrane rode directly towards the battery under fire from the gun and supporting infantry.

He reached the position and drove off the gunners, holding the piece until the infantry arrived. He then pressed the attack against the enemy rearguard. Three horses were shot beneath him during these close encounters. His conduct earned the Victoria Cross, presented at Peshawar in April 1860.

Cochrane continued campaigning at Kunch, Kalpi and Gwalior, and served with Meade's Horse and irregular cavalry. Promoted captain in 1858, he transferred to the Royal Fusiliers the following year and later held a brigade staff appointment with the Eusofzai Field Force. Further service took him through Indian stations and back to Britain and Ireland.

He commanded depots at Khandala and Deolali before becoming lieutenant colonel commanding the 43rd Light Infantry in February 1878. He advanced to colonel in 1879 and served with the regiment in Burma. Poor health led him to retire in July 1881. Married twice, he spent his final years at Southsea, where he died in April 1884. He was buried in Highland Road Cemetery.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For conspicuous gallantry near Jhansi, on the 1st of April, 1858, when No. 1 Company of the Regiment was ordered to take a gun, in dashing forward at a gallop, under a heavy musketry and artillery fire, driving the enemy from the gun, and keeping possession of it till the Company came up. Also for conspicuous gallantry in attacking the rear-guard of the enemy, when he had three horses shot under him in succession. Despatch from Major-General Sir Hugh Henry Rose G.C.B., dated 23rd April, 1858.

The London Gazette of 24 December 1858, Numb. 22212, p. 5518