Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Son of a rector, he was born in the village of Fontmell Magna, Dorset and joined the Bengal Engineers, Indian Army, in June 1850. After some language studies he was employed on road and canal projects. In 1856 he joined the Department of Public Works as an executive engineer. He was serving as a lieutenant with the Bengal Engineers when he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the VC. From the citation: "Lieutenants Duncan Charles Home and Philip Salkeld, upon whom the Victoria Cross was provisionally conferred by Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart, KCB. For their conspicuous bravery in the performance of the desperate duty of blowing in the Cashmere [Kashmir] Gate of the Fortress of Delhi in broad daylight, under heavy fire of musketry, on the morning of 14 September 1857, preparatory to the assault, would have been recommended to Her Majesty for confirmation in that distinction had they survived." (London Gazette 18 June 1858) The Kashmir Gate was blown by a party of engineers including Sergeant John Smith, accompanied by Bugler Robert Hawthorne. Lieutenant Salkeld died of wounds in Delhi. His VC, one of the earliest awarded posthumously, was sent by post in July 1858 to his father in England.
Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Son of a rector, he was born in the village of Fontmell Magna, Dorset and joined the Bengal Engineers, Indian Army, in June 1850. After some language studies he was employed on road and canal projects. In 1856 he joined the Department of Public Works as an executive engineer. He was serving as a lieutenant with the Bengal Engineers when he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the VC. From the citation: "Lieutenants Duncan Charles Home and Philip Salkeld, upon whom the Victoria Cross was provisionally conferred by Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart, KCB. For their conspicuous bravery in the performance of the desperate duty of blowing in the Cashmere [Kashmir] Gate of the Fortress of Delhi in broad daylight, under heavy fire of musketry, on the morning of 14 September 1857, preparatory to the assault, would have been recommended to Her Majesty for confirmation in that distinction had they survived." (London Gazette 18 June 1858) The Kashmir Gate was blown by a party of engineers including Sergeant John Smith, accompanied by Bugler Robert Hawthorne. Lieutenant Salkeld died of wounds in Delhi. His VC, one of the earliest awarded posthumously, was sent by post in July 1858 to his father in England.
Bio by: Milou
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