Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he served as a Private in the 1st Madras European Fusiliers. At the Siege of Lucknow, India, November 16, 1857, Private Smith was one of the first to reach the gateway on the north side of Secundra Bagh. When the gateway was breached open, he was one of the first to enter and was surrounded by the enemy. He received a sword-cut on the head, a bayonet wound on the left side and a contusion from the butt-end of a musket on the right shoulder. In spite of his injuries, he fought his way out and continued to perform his duties for the rest of the day. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He was discharged on pension in 1861 and died at age 44 in Tanjore, British India.
Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in London, England, he served as a Private in the 1st Madras European Fusiliers. At the Siege of Lucknow, India, November 16, 1857, Private Smith was one of the first to reach the gateway on the north side of Secundra Bagh. When the gateway was breached open, he was one of the first to enter and was surrounded by the enemy. He received a sword-cut on the head, a bayonet wound on the left side and a contusion from the butt-end of a musket on the right shoulder. In spite of his injuries, he fought his way out and continued to perform his duties for the rest of the day. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He was discharged on pension in 1861 and died at age 44 in Tanjore, British India.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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