John Peniston Milbanke

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Sir John Peniston Milbanke (9 October 1872- 21 August 1915) 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.

He was 27 years old, and a lieutenant in the 10th Hussars (Prince of Wales's Own Royal), British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 5 January 1900 near Colesberg, South Africa, during a reconnaissance, Lieutenant Milbanke, when retiring under fire, with a small patrol, rode back to help one of his men whose horse was exhausted. Notwithstanding the fact that he was severely wounded in the thigh, the lieutenant took the man up on his own horse under very heavy fire and got him safely back to camp.

He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was killed in action at Suvla, Gallipoli, Turkey, on 21 August 1915.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the The King's Royal Hussars Museum in Winchester (Winchester, England).

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