Umbeyla Campaign Victoria Cross Recipient. Born at Kamptee in India, he served as a Lieutenant in the 4th Punjab Infantry, Indian Army. On the morning of October 30, 1863, an attack was made by the Bunerwals on a Company of the Guide Corps in the advance piquets at Umbeyla, North West India. Lieutenant Pitcher advanced with about 20 men to their assistance, but they were overpowered and driven off the top of the hill. Lieutenant Pitcher advanced again led his men almost to the summit and was the first man to gain the top of hill. In the moment of victory, he was wounded by a boulder hurled by the enemy from the top. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and awarded the Victoria Cross on July 19, 1864. He died of a heatstroke at the age of 34 in Dehra Ghazi Khan, British India.
Umbeyla Campaign Victoria Cross Recipient. Born at Kamptee in India, he served as a Lieutenant in the 4th Punjab Infantry, Indian Army. On the morning of October 30, 1863, an attack was made by the Bunerwals on a Company of the Guide Corps in the advance piquets at Umbeyla, North West India. Lieutenant Pitcher advanced with about 20 men to their assistance, but they were overpowered and driven off the top of the hill. Lieutenant Pitcher advanced again led his men almost to the summit and was the first man to gain the top of hill. In the moment of victory, he was wounded by a boulder hurled by the enemy from the top. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and awarded the Victoria Cross on July 19, 1864. He died of a heatstroke at the age of 34 in Dehra Ghazi Khan, British India.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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