Charles Pye
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Charles Pye was an English 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.
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[edit] Details
He was approx. 37 years old, and a Sergeant-Major in the 53rd Regiment of Foot (later The King's Shropshire Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 17 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, Sergeant-Major Pye acted with great fearlessness under fire when bringing up ammunition to the Mess House and on every occasion when the Regiment was engaged.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of Captain.
The following was submitted by Elizabeth Pye on 22 January 2000:
Charles was baptised 24 Sep 1820 at Forebridge, Stafford, Staffordshire. The eldest son of Thomas Pye and Alice (Hall). Charles enlisted at Coventry on 18 Nov 1840 with 40th Regiment. He married Mrs Mary Ann Farrell (nee Casey) in Calcutta, India on 3 Jan 1857. After returning to England he and wife emigrated to New Zealand on the African 27 Aug 1862. He became a Captain of the Colonial Defence Force and fought during the Maori Wars. In 1876 he went to Australia to settle near his father (who was now living there with a second wife and family) but Charles died of bronchitis on 12 Jul 1876. He is buried in Tower Hill Cemetery near Koroit, Victoria, Australia. The Office of Australian War Graves have erected a headstone to mark his grave.
[edit] The medal
The following was submitted by Elizabeth Pye on 22 January 2000
Charles's medals (from India and New Zealand) are held in a private military museum in Papatoetoe, Auckland, New Zealand. Medals include Punjab Campaign medal; Indian Mutiny medal, Sutlej campaign medal and 3 clasps, Gwalior campaign star (bronze star); and New Zealand campaign medals.
[edit] External links
- Burial location of Charles Pye "Victoria, Australia"
- News item "Charles Pye's Victoria Cross donated to the Auckland Museum"
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
