Edward Spence

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Edward Spence (28 December 1837-17 April 1858) was a Scottish 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.

[edit] Details

He was 20 years old, and a private in the 42nd Regiment (later The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:

On 15 April 1858 during the attack on Fort Ruhya, India, Private Spence volunteered, with others, to assist a captain (William Martin Cafe) in bringing in the body of a lieutenant from the top of the glacis. Private Spence deliberately placed himself in an exposed position, so as to cover the party bearing away the body. He died on 17 April of a wound which he received on this occasion. See also Alexander Thompson

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Black Watch Museum (Perth, Scotland).

[edit] References

• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)