Personal info
- Name: Charles IRWIN
- D.O.B: 1st Jan, 1824
- D.O.A: 16th Nov, 1857
- D.O.D: 8th Apr, 1873
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Private, 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 at the assault of the Secundra Bagh, at Lucknow, on the 16th of November, 1857. Although severely wounded through the right shoulder, he was one of the first men of the 53rd Regiment, who entered the buildings under a very severe fire. Elected by the private soldiers of the Regiment.
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