John Pearson

Born in Leeds, Yorkshire, on 19 January 1825, John Pearson worked as a gardener before enlisting in the 8th Regiment of Light Dragoons (Hussars) on 11 January 1844, receiving the service number 861. His early military service involved domestic postings and marriage to Selina Smart at Trowbridge in April 1851. When Great Britain joined the alliance against Russia in the Crimean War, Pearson embarked with his regiment aboard the transport Wilson Kennedy in May 1854. Serving as a private in the Light Brigade, he rode in the Charge at Balaclava on 25 October 1854 and took part in the extended siege of Sebastopol, emerging from the campaign uninjured.

Following a brief return to England, the 8th Hussars deployed to India in October 1857 to assist in suppressing the Indian Rebellion. On 17 June 1858, near Kotah-ki-Serai outside Gwalior, a squadron of the regiment was committed to action against advancing rebel forces attacking Brigadier Smith's defensive position. Charging through heavy artillery and small-arms fire, the cavalrymen routed the enemy, pressed through the rebel camp, and captured two artillery pieces. Pearson sustained a severe sword cut to his right shoulder during the fighting.

Because multiple members of the squadron demonstrated gallantry during the charge, the provisions of the Victoria Cross warrant allowed the regiment to select recipients by secret ballot. The collective citation was published in the London Gazette on 28 January 1859:

"8th Hussars, Captain (now Brevet-Major) Clement Walker Heneage, No. 1584 Sergeant Joseph Ward, No. 1298 Farrier George Hollis, No. 861 Private John Pearson: Date of Act of Bravery 17th June, 1858. Selected for the Victoria Cross by their companions in the gallant charge made by a squadron of the Regiment at Gwalior, on the 17th of June, 1858, when, supported by a division of the Bombay Horse Artillery, and Her Majesty's 95th Regiment, they routed the enemy, who were advancing against Brigadier Smith's position, (Field Force Orders by Major-General Sir Hugh Henry Rose, G.C.B., Commanding Central India Field Force, dated Camp, Gwalior, 28th June, 1858.)"

Lieutenant General Sir Henry Somerset invested Pearson with the medal at Gwalior on 18 June 1859. Transferring to the 19th Hussars as a private in November 1863, Pearson rose to corporal within a month and attained the rank of sergeant by August 1865. He received the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1865 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 1867. Invalided home from Meerut later that year due to failing health, he was discharged as unfit for further military duty.

After living in Halifax, Yorkshire, Pearson relocated with his family to Canada in 1880, establishing a farm in Eastnor Township on the Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. He died on 18 April 1892 at age sixty-seven and was buried in Eastnor Township Cemetery near Lion's Head. Morton & Eden auctioned his medal group in London on 23 November 2004, where it was purchased for the Lord Ashcroft Collection and placed on public display at the Imperial War Museum.