Robert Humpston (VC)

Both riflemen charged a Russian rifle pit in broad daylight.

Robert Humpston was born in Derby in 1832 and joined the Rifle Brigade. Serving with its 2nd Battalion in the Crimea, he took part in the Alma campaign and siege of Sevastopol.

On 22 April 1855, Humpston and Private Joseph Bradshaw attacked a Russian rifle pit overlooking the Woronzoff Road. Its occupants had been interfering with British siege work. The two riflemen crossed exposed ground in daylight and captured the position, which was subsequently destroyed after support arrived. Humpston's gallantry brought a gratuity and promotion, followed by the Victoria Cross when that decoration was instituted.

Queen Victoria presented his cross at Hyde Park on 26 June 1857. He subsequently served in India during the uprising, earning campaign clasps for Lucknow and Central India. After leaving the army he experienced hardship and died on 22 December 1884. Buried in Nottingham General Cemetery, his grave remained unmarked until a public campaign secured a headstone in 2007.