John Augustus Wood

He scaled the parapet despite musket fire at close quarters.

John Augustus Wood was born at Fort William, Scotland, on 10 June 1818. He entered the Bombay Army in 1839 and joined the 20th Bombay Native Infantry that October. Promoted lieutenant in 1842, he served during the First Afghan War and became a captain in 1851. His career subsequently took him to Persia with the expedition sent against the shah's forces in 1856.

On 9 December, Wood commanded the grenadier company at the head of an assault against the Persian defences near Bushire. He reached the parapet first, where defenders rose from a trench and fired at almost point-blank range. Although struck by several musket balls, he attacked their leader with his sword. His company followed him onto the works and overcame the resistance. The position fell, but his wounds required treatment away from the regiment.

Wood returned to Bushire before he had fully recovered. The campaign continued into 1857, and his service brought the India General Service Medal with the Persia clasp. His Victoria Cross was announced on 3 August 1860, recognizing his leadership at the storming of the Persian position. He received the decoration in India in January 1861.

His subsequent appointments included brigade major at Mhow and command of the 14th Bombay Native Infantry. He became a brevet lieutenant colonel in 1864, substantive major in 1865 and lieutenant colonel in 1868. He retired as a colonel in February 1870 after more than thirty years in the Indian service.

Wood remained in India during retirement. He died at Poona on 23 January 1878 and was buried in St Mary's churchyard. His Victoria Cross later became associated with the Rajputana Rifles, the successor regiment to his old Bombay infantry unit.

Official Victoria Cross citation

On the 9th of December, 1856, Captain Wood led the Grenadier Company, which formed the head of the assaulting column sent against Bushire. He was the first man on the parapet of the fort, where he was instantly attacked by a large number of the garrison, who suddenly sprang on him from a trench cut in the parapet itself. These men fired a volley at Captain Wood and the head of the storming party, when only a yard or two distant from that Officer; but, although Captain Wood was struck by no less than seven musket balls, he at once threw himself upon the enemy, passed his sword through the body of their leader, and, being closely followed by the men of his company, speedily overcame all opposition, and established himself in the place. Captain Wood’s decision, energy, and determined valour, undoubtedly contributed in a high degree to the success of the attack. His wounds compelled him to leave the force for a time; but, with the true spirit of a good soldier, he rejoined his regiment, and returned to his duty at Bushire before the wounds were properly healed.

The London Gazette of 3 August 1860, Numb. 22409, p. 2860