Eustace Jotham

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Eustace Jotham VC (28 November 1883- 7 January 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.

[edit] Victoria Cross

He was 31 years old, and a captain in the 51st Sikhs (Frontier Force), Indian Army, during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. The citation was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 23 July 1915 (dated 23 July 1915):^[1]

“

For most conspicuous bravery on 7th January, 1915, at Spina Khaisora (Tochi Valley).

During operations against the Khostwal tribesmen, Captain Jotham, who was commanding a party of about a dozen of the North Waziristan Militia, was attacked in a nullah and almost surrounded by an overwhelming force of some 1,500 tribesmen. He gave the order to retire, and could have himself escaped, but most gallantly sacrificed his own life by attempting to effect the rescue of one of his men who had lost his horse.

”

He was buried in the Miranshar Cemetery, North Waziristan, and is commemorated on the Delhi Memorial (India Gate).Commonwealth War Graves Commission — casualty details. CWGC. Retrieved on 2007-11-26.