James Blair

He charged again while wounded, wielding his shattered sword

James Blair was born at Neemuch in India on 27 January 1828 into a military family. He entered the East India Company’s service in 1844 and joined the 2nd Bombay Light Cavalry. His early career developed within the Bombay Army, and by the outbreak of the uprising of 1857 he was an experienced lieutenant.

His regiment reached Neemuch in July. On 12 August he volunteered to enter a house occupied by armed mutineers. Forcing the door, he drove them onto the roof and continued pursuing them despite a serious wound. The darkness prevented their capture.

At Jeerum on 23 October, Blair again fought at close quarters. Surrounded, he broke his sword against an opponent and suffered a severe cut to his right arm. After regaining his troop, he led another charge with only the remaining hilt and dispersed the opposing force. The two actions together formed the recommendation for his Victoria Cross.

Blair continued serving through the siege of Neemuch, operations at Kotah and the pursuit of Tatya Tope. His Victoria Cross was announced in February 1862 and presented in Bombay later that year by Sir William Mansfield. Advancement followed through major and lieutenant-colonel to senior cavalry command.

From 1882 to 1885 he served as political resident and brigadier-general at Aden. His responsibilities combined military command with negotiations over competing British, Ottoman and other interests around the southern Red Sea. He also maintained an interest in local natural history, corresponding with Kew about aloe specimens.

Appointed a Companion of the Bath in 1889, Blair became a full general in 1894 and retired to Scotland. He and his wife Frances had a son and a daughter. He died at Melrose on 18 January 1905 and was buried in Trinity Churchyard. His cousin Robert Blair had also received a Victoria Cross during the Indian uprising.