Henry Addison (VC)
| Henry Addison | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | February 1821 Bardwell, Suffolk |
| Died | June 18, 1887 (aged 65–66) Bardwell |
| Buried | Bardwell Parish Churchyard |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 43rd Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Henry Addison, VC (February 1821 – 18 June 1887) 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.
Born in Bardwell, Suffolk, Addison was about 37 years old, and a private in the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot (later The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the incident for which he was awarded the VC took place on 2 January 1859 near Kurrereah, India.
On 1 January 1859, 30 men of the 43rd Light Infantry commanded by Gerald Young and contingents from the 1st Madras Regiment and the Royal Artillery left the Brigade at Punneri while the remainder of the Brigade returned to Kotee. The following day after descending a hill the troops saw a village from which smoke was rising and people running from houses into the Jungle. The troops moved into the Jungle and were engaged in action with the enemy for nearly two hours; the enemy was well armed with muskets, bayonets, swords and ammunition. During the action Lieutenant John Osborne attempted to shoot his assailant with a revolver however the attacker was too fast for him. Addison intervened and in an act of great gallantry saved Osborne's life and was severely wounded.[4]
Addison was recommended for the VC in a dispatch from Lieutenant-Colonel F. Gottreux, "commanding Field Detachment, to the Assistant Adjutant General Saugor Field Division on January 15, 1859".
Whilst in the neighbourhood of Kurrereah... chasing retreating mutineers... Lieutenant Osborne, Political Agent of Rewab, was wounded by a sword cut on the right hand. He was at the time he was attacked, closely followed by three men of the 43rd Light Infantry, two men of the artillery being a few paces in front of him. Private Henry Addison, of the 43rd Light Infantry, seeing him attacked and on the ground, rushed forward to defend and cover him in a most gallant manner. In doing this, I much regret having to record, that he received two very severe sword cuts, one on the left leg which rendered immediate amputation of the limb above the knee necessary, and another causing compound fracture of the left fore-arm. The heroism displayed by Private Addison in thus placing himself between Lieutenant Osborne and his assailant at the critical juncture he did, thereby saving that officer's life, may, I hope, be deemed worthy of the Victoria Cross, for which honour I earnestly beg to recommend him.
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