Personal info
- Name: Charles PYE
- D.O.B: 23rd Sep, 1820
- D.O.A: 17th Nov, 1857
- D.O.D: 14th Jul, 1876
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Sergeant Major, 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 1
The Mess House, Lucknow, India 17 November 1857
17 November 1857
The Indian Mutiny 1857-59
The Mess House at Lucknow stood on the southern side of the road west from the Secunderabagh and Shah Najaf Mosque towards the riverside Palaces and the Residency compound. On 17 November 1857 it was stormed and secured by companies of the 53rd and 90th Regiments. With the capture the same day of the Moti Mahal Palace to its north, contact was established with the besieged garrison in the Residency. The rebels, however, remained in control of much of Lucknow and all British positions continued to be subject to attack. Major J C Guise (see above), Sergeant Major C Pye and Private P Graham were awarded the VC for their part in this action.
Citation
For steadiness and fearless conduct under fire at Lucknow, on the 17th of November, 1857, when bringing up ammunition to the Mess House, and on every occasion when the Regiment has been engaged. Elected by the non-commissioned officers of the Regiment.