Henry Ward (soldier)

Henry Ward VC (1823 - 12 September 1867) was an English soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was born in Harleston, Norfolk and died in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Details

Ward was approximately 31 years old, and a private in the 78th Regiment of Foot (later The Seaforth Highlanders Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:

On 25 and 26 September 1857 in Lucknow, India, Private Ward stayed with a dhooly in which an officer of the 10th Regiment of Foot and a private of the 78th had taken refuge. Although under heavy cross-fire of ordnance and musketry, Private Ward remained at the side of the dhooly, inspiring the bearers to carry their double load, and encouraging them with the same steadiness as if on parade. Both wounded men were taken to the safety of the Baillie Guard.

He later achieved the rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of Queens Own Highlanders (Fort George, Inverness-shire, Scotland).

References

*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/worceste.htm Location of grave and VC medal (Worcestershire)]