Dighton Probyn

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General Sir Dighton MacNaghton Probyn VC, GCB, GCSI, GCVO, ISO (21 January 1833-20 June 1924) born in London he 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.

1 Details
2 Further information
3 The medal
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Details

He was 24 years old, and a captain in the 2nd Punjab Cavalry, Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On many occasions during the period 1857-1858 in India, Captain Probyn performed gallant and daring acts. On one occasion, at the Battle of Agra, when his squadron charged the rebel infantry, he was sometimes separated from his men and surrounded by five or six Sepoys. He defended himself and, before his own men had joined him, had cut down two of his assailants.

[edit] Further information

Later Sir Dighton achieved the rank of general. He was in later life an ornament of the Victorian age, being Keeper of the Purse, a court sinecure position as well as Secretary to the Prince of Wales. Probyn's Horse, a regiment of the Indian Army was named after him. He had a remarkable appearance in old age, with a long white beard.

[edit] The medal

24/09/2005 - The VC earned by General Sir Dighton Macnaughten Probyn, according to the London Times, was bought at auction yesterday for £160,000. Details of the purchaser were not given.