Hugh Henry Gough

Led cavalry charges against armed rebel guns outside Lucknow

Hugh Henry Gough was born in Calcutta on 14 November 1833 into an Irish family with strong military connections. Educated at the East India College, he entered the 3rd Bengal Light Cavalry in 1853. After the regiment's mutiny in 1857, he joined the newly raised Hodson's Horse and served through the Delhi and Lucknow operations.

His Victoria Cross recognised two actions. On 12 November 1857 near the Alambagh, he led a small cavalry force in a flanking charge against enemy troops and two guns. On 25 February 1858 he again charged a defended position near Lucknow and engaged in close fighting. He had two horses shot under him and was disabled by a musket wound through the leg.

Gough recovered and continued with Indian cavalry, eventually commanding the 12th Bengal Cavalry. He took part in the Abyssinian expedition of 1868. During the Second Afghan War he served with Roberts, including the Kabul operations and the march and battle at Kandahar.

Later appointments included frontier and divisional commands. He became a general and received the Knight Grand Cross of the Bath in 1896, superseding the lower grades he had previously held. Retirement did not end his public service: he became Keeper of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

He died in London on 12 May 1909 and was buried with military honours in Kensal Green Cemetery. His brother Charles also held the Victoria Cross, and the family's later generations included senior commanders in the First World War.