Second Afghan War Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Portstewart, Ireland, he served as a Major in the 92nd Regiment of Foot, British Army. During the engagement at Charasiah, Afghanistan, on the October 6, 1879, when artillery and rifle fire failed to dislodge the enemy from a fortified hill, Major White led an attack upon it in person. Advancing with two companies of his regiment and climbing from one steep ledge to another, he came upon a body of the enemy. With his men being exhausted and immediate action being necessary, Major White took a rifle and going on by himself, shot the leader of the enemy. This act so intimidated the rest that they fled round the side of the hill and the position was won. Again, on September 1, 1880, at the Battle of Candahar, Major White leading the final charge, under a heavy fire from the enemy held strong position and were supported by two guns, rode straight up to within a few yards of them and seeing the guns, dashed forward and secured one, immediately after which the enemy retired. For these two actions in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on June 3, 1881. Remaining in the service, he became Colonel of the 92nd Regiment of Foot, was promoted Major General in 1885, Knighted in 1886, became Knight Grand Commander of the Empire of India in 1893 and was made Field Marshall General in 1903. From 1905, until his death at age 76, he served as Governor of the Chelsea Hospital London.
Second Afghan War Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Portstewart, Ireland, he served as a Major in the 92nd Regiment of Foot, British Army. During the engagement at Charasiah, Afghanistan, on the October 6, 1879, when artillery and rifle fire failed to dislodge the enemy from a fortified hill, Major White led an attack upon it in person. Advancing with two companies of his regiment and climbing from one steep ledge to another, he came upon a body of the enemy. With his men being exhausted and immediate action being necessary, Major White took a rifle and going on by himself, shot the leader of the enemy. This act so intimidated the rest that they fled round the side of the hill and the position was won. Again, on September 1, 1880, at the Battle of Candahar, Major White leading the final charge, under a heavy fire from the enemy held strong position and were supported by two guns, rode straight up to within a few yards of them and seeing the guns, dashed forward and secured one, immediately after which the enemy retired. For these two actions in the face of the enemy, he was awarded the Victoria Cross on June 3, 1881. Remaining in the service, he became Colonel of the 92nd Regiment of Foot, was promoted Major General in 1885, Knighted in 1886, became Knight Grand Commander of the Empire of India in 1893 and was made Field Marshall General in 1903. From 1905, until his death at age 76, he served as Governor of the Chelsea Hospital London.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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