William Gardner (Victoria Cross recipient)
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William Gardner VC MSM (3 March 1821 - 24 October 1897) 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.
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He was 37 years old, and a colour-sergeant in the 42nd Regiment (later The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)), British Army during the Indian rebellion of 1857-1858 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 5 May 1858 at Bareilly, India, Colour-Sergeant Gardner saved the life of his commanding officer who, during the action had been knocked from his horse when three fanatics rushed upon him. The colour-sergeant ran out and bayoneted two of the assailants and was in the act of attacking the third when he was shot down and killed by another soldier of the regiment.
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He later achieved the rank of sergeant-Major.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Strathclyde)
