Personal info
- Name: Alfred Kirke FFRENCH
- D.O.B: 25th Feb, 1835
- D.O.A: 16th Nov, 1857
- D.O.D: 28th Sep, 1872
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lieutenant, 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 1
The Secunderabagh, Lucknow, India 16 November 1857
16 November 1857
The Indian Mutiny 1857-59
The rebels had expected Sir Colin Campbell’s force to cross the canal forming the southern defence line of Lucknow between the Char Bagh Bridge and Banks’s House. Instead, on 16 November 1857, Campbell forded it to the east, near its junction with the Gumti. There was little water in it at this point. Once across the canal, British troops stormed and captured the Secunderabagh, a large rectangular walled garden with bastions at its corners, which the mutineers had converted into a stronghold. Eight VCs were awarded to officers and men for gallantry in the assault. Capt A H A Anson VC, attached to 9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers, also distinguished himself in this action.
Citation
For conspicuous bravery on the 16th of November, 1857, at the taking of the Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, when in command of the Grenadier Company, being one of the first to enter the building. His conduct was highly praised by the whole Company. Elected by the Officers of the Regiment.