William Henry Dick-Cunyngham | |
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Born | 16 June 1851 Edinburgh, Scotland |
Died | 6 January 1900 (aged 48) Ladysmith, South Africa |
Buried at | Ladysmith Cemetery |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | British Army |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Unit | The Gordon Highlanders |
Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Afghan War Second Boer War |
Awards | Victoria Cross |
Lieutenant Colonel William Henry Dick-Cunyngham VC (16 June 1851 – 6 January 1900) 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 28 years old, and a lieutenant in The Gordon Highlanders, British Army during the Second Anglo-Afghan War when the following deed took place on 13 December 1879 during the attack on the Sherpur Pass, Afghanistan for which he was awarded the VC.
For the conspicuous gallantry and coolness displayed by him on the 13th December, 1879, at the attack on the Sherpur Pass, in Afghanistan, in having exposed himself to the full fire of the enemy, and by his example and encouragement rallied the men who, having been beaten back, were, at the moment, wavering at the top of the hill.[1]
He was killed in action, at the siege of Ladysmith during the Second Boer War, South Africa, on 6 January 1900.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen, Scotland.