Robert Kells

He risked his life to save a stranded officer under gun fire

Robert William Kells was born at Meerut, the son of a soldier. He enlisted in the 9th Lancers as a boy and served in the Punjab campaign, including Chillianwala and Goojerat. He became a trumpeter and later a lance corporal.

At Bulandshahr on 28 September 1857, Captain Drysdale fell when his horse was shot, breaking his collarbone. Kells and Robert Jordan defended him against approaching opponents until help arrived and he could be removed. Kells received the Victoria Cross.

He continued through the Lucknow operations and became trumpet major. Transferring to the regiment later named the 19th Hussars, he remained in India until medical discharge in 1868. He settled in London and joined the Yeomen of the Guard in 1881. He received the Silver Royal Victorian Medal in 1901 and continued ceremonial service into Edward VII’s reign. He died on 14 April 1905 and was buried in Lambeth Cemetery.

Victoria Cross citation

For conspicuous bravery at Bolundshahur, on the 28th of September, 1857, in defending against a number of the enemy his commanding officer, Captain Drysdale, who was lying in a street with his collar-bone broken, his horse having been disabled by a shot, and remaining with him until out of danger.