Henry Tombs
| Henry Tombs | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 10 November 1825 Calcutta, British India |
| Died | 2 August 1874 (aged 48) Newport, Isle of Wight |
| Buried at | Carisbrooke Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
Bengal Army British Army |
| Years of service | 1841 - 1872 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | Bengal Horse Artillery |
| Commands held | Royal Horse Artillery |
| Battles/wars |
Siege of Delhi First Anglo-Sikh War Second Anglo-Sikh War Bhutan War Indian Mutiny Gwalior Campaign Battle of Punniar Battle of Moodkee Battle of Aliwal Battle of Ramnagar Battle of Chillianwallah Battle of Goojerat Battle of Budleekesera Battle of Nujjufghur |
| Awards |
Victoria Cross Order of the Bath Indian Mutiny Medal India General Service Medal Sutlej Medal Bronze Star Sutlej Medal |
Major General Sir Henry Tombs VC KCB (10 November 1825 – 2 August 1874) was a 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.
Henry Tombs was born in Calcutta, India on 10 November 1825. He was the youngest of seven to Major General John Tombs and Mary Remington. He was sent back to England for an education during which time he studied at Abingdon School. At the age of 14 he entered the East India Company's Seminary at Addiscombe, graduating in June 1841 and receiving a commission in the Bengal Horse Artillery. In 1869 he married Georgina Janet Stirling, the youngest daughter of Admiral Sir James Stirling. Their grandson Joseph Tombs received the VC for actions during World War I.
Tombs received his commission as second lieutenant in the Bengal Horse Artillery on 11 June 1841, and first saw active service aged 18 during the Gwalior Campaign. He distinguished himself while fighting at the Battle of Punniar with the No.16 Light Field Battery (horsedrawn), and was awarded the Bronze Star in 1843.
During the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846), he became Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant General Sir Harry Smith. He was present at the Battle of Moodkee, the Battle of Ferozeshah and the Battle of Aliwal. He was awarded a Sutlej Medal with two clasps (for Ferozeshuhur and Aliwal) in 1848.
...
Wikipedia