Personal info

  • Name: Alfred Spencer HEATHCOTE
  • D.O.B: 29th Mar, 1832
  • D.O.A: 20th Sep, 1832
  • D.O.D: 21st Feb, 1912
  • Award: Victoria Cross
  • Occupation at time of action: Ensign, 1st Battalion 60th (The King's Royal Rifle Corps) Regiment of Foot
  • Book: The Complete History - Volume 1
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Sources & Acknowledgements

The Siege of Delhi, India 8 June-21 September 1857

8 June-21 September 1857

More details about:
The Indian Mutiny 1857-59 

After the battle of Badli-ki-Serai Sir Henry Barnard pushed on towards Delhi. Approaching the city, he divided his forces. General Wilson continued along the Grand Trunk Road through the Sabzi Mandi, the vegetable market, just north-west of the city at the southern foot of the Delhi Ridge. Barnard himself turned east and made for the cantonment behind the northern part of the ridge. Here, the 60th Rifles and 2nd Bengal Fusiliers captured the rebels’ guns at the Flagstaff Tower on the Ridge, while Barnard’s column moved south along the ridge. At Hindu Rao’s House it met Wilson’s column advancing along the ridge in the opposite direction. The British maintained themselves on the ridge, with their encampment behind it until on 14 September, they launched their assault on the city. The five columns into which the attacking force was divided were all preceded by detachments from the 60th Rifles to act as skirmishers. Ensign A S Heathcote particularly distinguished himself in the six days of fighting which followed the assault. He was elected by the Officers of his Regiment to be recommended to receive the VC for his gallantry during the Siege.

Citation

 For highly gallant and daring conduct at Delhi throughout the Siege, from June to September, 1857, during which he was wounded. He volunteered for services of extreme danger, especially during the six days of severe fighting in streets after the Assault. Elected by the Officers of his Regiment. 

The London Gazette of 20 January 1860, Numb. 22347, p. 178

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