Nowell Salmon

Admiral of the Fleet Sir Nowell Salmon was a highly distinguished Royal Navy officer who served during the mid-to-late 19th century. As a junior officer, he served with distinction in the naval brigade and took an active part in the historic Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny, which became the backdrop for his most famous act of valor.

While participating in the defense of the Residency, Salmon volunteered for a perilous mission to climb a tree near the wall of the Shah Nujeff mosque. Despite being under intense enemy fire and sustaining a wound to his thigh, he successfully observed the fall of artillery shot to direct fire. For his conspicuous gallantry during this action, he was awarded the Victoria Cross alongside Leading Seaman John Harrison.

Salmon continued his long and successful career in the Royal Navy, eventually rising to the highest possible rank of Admiral of the Fleet. In addition to his Victoria Cross, his distinguished service to the Crown was recognized with his appointment as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.