Robert Newell (VC)

He rode into enemy fire to save a comrade trapped in battle.

Robert Newell came from Seaham, County Durham, and served as a private in the 9th Lancers. Surviving accounts disagree about his birth year, and comparatively little reliable detail is known about his early life. His regiment served in the operations around Lucknow during the Indian uprising.

On 19 March 1858, a fellow soldier's horse fell on difficult ground while the cavalry were exposed to heavy musket fire. Newell went to the man's assistance and brought him away despite the danger from a large body of enemy troops. Major-General Sir James Hope Grant reported his courage, and the action was approved for the Victoria Cross.

Newell did not survive to learn of the award. He became ill and died at Umballa on 11 July 1858, months before the citation appeared in the London Gazette on 24 December. His cross was sent to his widow. His campaign medal and VC preserve the memory of a cavalryman whose most securely documented achievement was the rescue of a comrade under fire.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For conspicuous gallantry at Lucknow, on the 19th of March, 1858, in going to the assistance of a comrade whose horse had fallen on bad ground, and bringing him away, under a heavy fire of musketry from a large body of the enemy. Despatch from Major-General Sir James Hope Grant K.C.B., dated 8th April, 1858.

The London Gazette of 24 December 1858, Numb. 22212, p. 5512