William Gardner (VC)

William Gardner VC DCM was born on 3 March 1821 at Nemphlar, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He served in the British Army with the 42nd Regiment of Foot, later known as The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), and saw active service in both the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant-Major.

Gardner had already distinguished himself during the Crimean War, where he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. During the Indian Mutiny, he was serving as a Colour-Sergeant in the 42nd Regiment when he performed the act of gallantry for which he received the Victoria Cross.

On 5 May 1858, during the action at Bareilly, India, Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron, Gardner’s commanding officer, was knocked from his horse and attacked. Gardner rushed forward to his aid, bayoneting two of the attackers and attempting to engage a third before being shot down by another soldier of the regiment. His conduct was cited in the London Gazette and led to the award of the Victoria Cross.

Gardner was invested with his Victoria Cross in India in February 1859, though the presenting officer is not recorded. After a long and distinguished army career, he retired to Scotland. He died at Bothwell, Lanarkshire, on 24 October 1897, aged 76, and was buried in Bothwell Park Cemetery.

His Victoria Cross and campaign medals were later sold by his great-grandson in 2008 to raise money for charitable causes connected with former servicemen and Scotland. The VC was purchased for the Lord Ashcroft Collection, and is associated with the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum.