Charles John Stanley Gough
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General Sir Charles John Stanley Gough VC, GCB (28 January 1832 -6 September 1912) was born in Chittagong, India was a 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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[edit] Details
He was 25 years old, and a major in the 5th Bengal European Cavalry during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 15 August 1857 at Khurkowdah, India, Major Gough saved the life of his brother (Hugh Henry Gough) who was wounded, and killed two of the enemy. On 18 August he led a troop of the Guide Cavalry in a charge and cut down two of the enemy's sowars after a hand-to-hand combat with one of them On 27 January 1858, in a charge, he attacked one of the enemy's leaders and pierced him with his sword which was carried out of his hand in the melee. He defended himself with his revolver and shot two of the enemy. On 23 February at Meangunge he went to the assistance of a major and killed his opponent.
During the Second Anglo-Afghan War, he led a relief column to relieve the Siege of the Sherpur Cantonment, on which news Mohammed Jan ordered an assault on the garrison, which failed before he arrived.
[edit] Further information
Brother of Lieutenant Hugh Henry Gough, VC; father of Bt/Major John Edmund Gough, VC. Grandson of Hugh Gough, 1st Viscount Gough. He later achieved the rank of general.
[edit] The medal
Please update if you know where his medal is publicly displayed.
[edit] References
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (County Tipperary, Ireland)
