Christopher Teesdale

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Major-General Sir Christopher Charles Teesdale, VC, KCMG, CB (1 June 1833-1 December 1893) 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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He was 22 years old, and a Lieutenant in the Royal Regiment of Artillery, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 29 September 1855 at Kars, Crimea, Lieutenant Teesdale volunteered to take command of the force engaged in the defence of the most advanced part of the works. He threw himself into the midst of the enemy and encouraged the garrison to make an attack so vigorous that the Russians were driven out. During the hottest part of the action he induced the Turkish artillerymen to return to their post from which they had been driven by enemy fire and after the final victorious charge he saved from the fury of the Turks a considerable number of the enemy wounded - an action gratefully acknowledged by the Russian Staff.

Born Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope, S. Africa, 1.6.1833, son of Lt-General Henry George TEESDALE, Royal Artillery, stationed in S. Africa.

Gentleman Cadet 29.5.1848 Royal Artillery.
2nd Lieutenant 22.4.1853 Stationed at Corfu 2. 1852
Lieutenant 22.4.1853. Left Corfu 5.1853.
Armenia (Crimean war) 9.1854 - 11.1855. Wounded at the battle of Kars, taken prisoner and held in Russia, 11.1855 to 1856.
Awarded Legion d'honeur and Honorary C.B. in 1856.
Aide-de-camp to Colonel (afterwards General, Sir) W.F. Williams from 1854 to 1864.
Decorated with the V.C. by H.M. Queen Victoria in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle 21.11.1857. Also decorated on that occasion were James Craig, George Symons and J. Malone.
Appointed aide-de-camp to H.M. Queen Victoria, 1.10.1877.
2nd Captain 14.1.1858.
Master of The Ceremonies and Extra Equerry to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales 9.11.1858., positions he held until his death.
Captain 3.2.1866 Royal Artillery.
Major 5.7.1872 Royal Artillery
Lieutenant-Colonel 23.9.1876 Royal Artillery
Colonel 1.10.1882 Royal Artillery
Major-General 22.4.1887 Royal Artillery.
On 8.7.1887, on the occasion of the Queen's jubilee, he was made a Knight Commander of St Michael and St George, (K.C.M.G.).
Retired 22.4.1892
Died 1.11.1893. Buried S. Bersted, Sussex. There is a family tomb.
Talented water colourist. Responsible for illustrations in book on Battle of Kars by Humphry Sandwith, M.D., the Regiments doctor at Kars.Illustrations possibly done whilst in captivity.
Member of remarkable military family whose members were at Culloden, Belle Isle, Martinique, The Gordon Riots, possibly Waterloo, Cape St Vincent, Ceylon, and many other situations.