Hugh Stewart Cochrane

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Colonel Hugh Stewart Cochrane (4 August 1829 - 23 April 1884) was a recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions, as a 28 year old Lieutenant, during the Indian Mutiny. He later achieved the rank of Colonel and commanded the 43rd Foot and (briefly) its successor, the 1st Battalion, Ox and Bucks. Cochrane was born in Fort William, Scotland and died in Southsea in England.

Cochrane was a Lieutenant in the 86th Regiment (later The The Royal Irish Rifles), British Army stationed in India during the Indian Mutiny. On 1 April 1858 near Jhansi, India, when No. 1 company of the regiment was ordered to take a gun, Lieutenant Cochrane dashed forward at a gallop under heavy musketry and artillery fire, drove the enemy from the gun and kept possession of it until the company came up. He also showed conspicuous gallantry in attacking the rear guard of the enemy when he had three horses in succession shot under him. For these actions he was awarded 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.