British Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Romsey, Hampshire, he became a Boatswain's Mate in the Royal Navy. On the June 18, 1855, during the Crimean War, immediately after the asault on Sebastapol, a soldier of the 57th Regiment was wounded in both legs and was sitting up and crying for help. At once, Henry Curtis, along with Henry Raby and John Taylor left the shelter of their battery works and ran forwards for seventy yards, across enemy ground, through heavy gunfire.They succeeded in carrying the wounded man to safety. All three were awarded the Victoria Cross; unfortunately, John Taylor died on the day after the award was gazetted, but Curtis and Raby were decorated by Queen Victoria on the June 28, 1857 in Hyde Park, in the very first presentation of the Victoria Cross. Henry Curtis died 39 years later, at his home in Buckland, near Portsmouth. On April 27, 1999, Henry Curtis' Medal was sold at Spink's auction house in London for £35,000. The name of the successful bidder was not revealed.
British Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Romsey, Hampshire, he became a Boatswain's Mate in the Royal Navy. On the June 18, 1855, during the Crimean War, immediately after the asault on Sebastapol, a soldier of the 57th Regiment was wounded in both legs and was sitting up and crying for help. At once, Henry Curtis, along with Henry Raby and John Taylor left the shelter of their battery works and ran forwards for seventy yards, across enemy ground, through heavy gunfire.They succeeded in carrying the wounded man to safety. All three were awarded the Victoria Cross; unfortunately, John Taylor died on the day after the award was gazetted, but Curtis and Raby were decorated by Queen Victoria on the June 28, 1857 in Hyde Park, in the very first presentation of the Victoria Cross. Henry Curtis died 39 years later, at his home in Buckland, near Portsmouth. On April 27, 1999, Henry Curtis' Medal was sold at Spink's auction house in London for £35,000. The name of the successful bidder was not revealed.
Bio by: Iain MacFarlaine
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