Richard Harte Keatinge
| Richard Keatinge | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
17 June 1825 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 25 May 1904 (aged 78) Horsham, Sussex |
| Buried at | Hills Street Cemetery, Horsham |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch | |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Unit | |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | |
| Other work | |
Lieutenant General Richard Harte Keatinge VC CSI (17 June 1825 – 25 May 1904) was an Irish 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.
Keatinge was born in Dublin. He was 32 years old, and a major in the Bombay Artillery, Bombay Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 17 March 1858 at the assault of Chundairee for which he was awarded the VC:
Bombay Artillery (now of the Staff Corps)
Major Richard Harte Keatinge Date of Act of Bravery, March 17th, 1858
For having rendered most efficient aid at the assault of Chundairee; in voluntarily leading the Column through the breach, which was protected by a heavy cross fire. He was one of the foremost to enter, and was severely wounded in the breach. The Column was saved from a serious loss that would probably have resulted, but for Major Keatinge's knowledge of the small path leading across the ditch, which had been examined during the night by himself and a servant, who declined, when required, to lead the column, without his master. Having cleared the breach; he led into the Fort where he was struck down by another dangerous wound. The Commander-in-Chief in India states that the success af Chundairee was mainly owing to this Officer, whose gallantry, really brilliant, he considers was equalled by his ability and devotion.
Major Keatinge was at the time a Political Officer with the 2nd Brigade of the Central India Field Force.
In 1862 he was transferred to the Royal Artillery and then to the Bombay Staff Corps of the British Indian Army.
...
Wikipedia