Robert Grant (soldier)

Robert Grant VC (circa 1837–1874) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was approx. 20 years old, and a Corporal (subsequently promoted to Sergeant) in the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment of Foot (later The Northumberland Fusiliers), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. The citation was published in the "London Gazette" of 19 June 1860,LondonGazette|issue=22396|startpage=2316|date=19 June 1860|accessdate=2008-04-21] and initially Grant was incorrectly named as Ewart, which was corrected in a subsequent "Gazette" of 12 October 1860. [LondonGazette|issue=22434|startpage=3679|date=12 October 1860|accessdate=2008-04-21] The citation read:

Quote|"War-Office, 19th, June, 1860."
THE Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention to confer the Decoration of the Victoria Cross on the under-mentioned Soldiers of Her Majesty's Army, whose claims to the same have been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, on account of Acts of Bravery performed by them in India, as recorded against their several names; viz.:

[...]

1st Battalion, 5th Regiment. Serjeant Robert [Grant] . Date of Act of Bravery, 24th September, 1857

For conspicuous devotion at Alumbagh, on the 24th September, 1857, in proceeding under a heavy and galling fire to save the life of Private E. Deveney, whose leg had been shot away, and eventually carrying him safe into camp, with the assistance of the late Lieutenant Brown, and some comrades.

He later became a constable in the Metropolitan Police, and served in the Y Division Holloway [ [http://www.met.police.uk/history/records.htm Metropolitan Police Service - History of the Metropolitan Police Service ] ] area until his death of what was then commonly known as consumption in 1874. He was buried, "at the expense of the parish", in a paupers' grave, number 15054, in Highgate Cemetery, North London. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the regimental museum in Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.

In 2007 and 2008 moves were made to properly commemorate both his military and police service with a memorial stone to be unveiled by the head of London's police service, Sir Ian Blair.

The military artist David Rowlands has depicted the action at Alumbagh in an oil painting.

References

External links

* [http://northumberlandfusiliers.org.uk/catalogue/cat/57.HTM Image of Fusilier Museum display] with tinted photograph of Grant in uniform and his VC medal
* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/lonnorth.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(N. London)"
* [http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23479053-details/Honour+at+last+for+VC+hero+buried+in+pauper%27s+grave/article.do "Honour at last..."] - article in the Evening Standard 18 April 2008 with images of grave site and Grant.