Same Shaw

He fought a swordsman at close quarters despite a head wound

Samuel Shaw, also recorded as Same or John Shaw, came from Prestonpans in East Lothian. He enlisted in the Rifle Brigade in 1849 and served in the Crimea before joining the 3rd Battalion for its deployment to India during the rebellion of 1857.

At Nawabgunge near Lucknow on 13 June 1858, Shaw closed with an armed opponent during fierce fighting. He sustained a severe sword wound to his head but overcame the man in hand-to-hand combat. His conduct brought a Victoria Cross recommendation from Major General Sir Hope Grant, and the award was gazetted in October 1858.

His remaining life was short. He sailed for Britain in 1859 and died at sea on 27 December that year. Later accounts connect his death with the consequences of his head injury, although the precise medical circumstances are uncertain. His Victoria Cross and an associated sword survive in the Royal Green Jackets museum collection at Winchester.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For the Act of Bravery recorded in a despatch from Major-General James Hope Grant, K.C.B., Commanding the Lucknow Field Force, to the Deputy Adjutant-General of the Army, of which the following is an extract:

Nowabgunge, 17th June, 1858.

“I have to bring to notice the conduct of Private Same Shaw, of the 3rd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, who is recommended by his Commanding Officer for the Victoria Cross.

“An armed rebel had been seen to enter a tope of trees. Some officers and men ran into the tope in pursuit of him. This man was a Ghazee. Private Shaw drew his short sword, and with that weapon rushed single-handed on the Ghazee. Shaw received a severe tulwar wound, but after a desperate struggle, he killed the man.

“I trust his Excellency will allow me to recommend this man for the Victoria Cross, and that he will approve of my having issued a Division Order, stating that I have done so.”