Private Thompson and the Victoria Cross at the Siege of Delhi
During the tumultuous events of the Indian Mutiny, acts of extraordinary bravery often emerged from the chaos of battle. One such instance involved Private Thompson, a soldier in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles (King's Royal Rifle Corps) of the British Army. At approximately 27 years of age, Thompson found himself in the heart of the conflict in British India, where his quick thinking and courage would earn him the highest military honor.
The Rescue of Captain Wilton
On July 9, 1857, in Delhi, Private Thompson witnessed a critical moment of danger. Captain Wilton had been suddenly surrounded by a party of Ghazees—religious warriors known for their fierce combat style—who launched a sudden rush from a serai (a traditional roadside inn). Without hesitation, Thompson dashed forward to relieve his officer.
In the ensuing struggle, Thompson killed two of the attackers, successfully protecting Captain Wilton until further assistance could arrive. This act of gallantry, combined with his consistent bravery throughout the campaign, marked him for special recognition.
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The Victoria Cross and the Siege of Delhi
Thompson was one of five men from the 1/60th elected under Section 13 of the Royal Warrant to receive the Victoria Cross, the premier award for valor in the face of the enemy. While his official citation, published in the London Gazette on January 20, 1860, praised his "conspicuous conduct throughout the siege," it did not explicitly name the city. This omission led some historians to mistakenly associate his service with the Siege of Lucknow.
However, historical records clarify that Thompson was stationed at Delhi between July and September 1857. The specific action involving Captain Wilton took place in Delhi, and the other four recipients from the 1/60th were also recognized for their actions during the Siege of Delhi.
The Final Assault and Injury
The conflict reached a climax during the assault on Delhi, which began on September 14, 1857. On this opening day of the battle, Thompson was severely wounded. The fighting continued until September 20, 1857, when the city was finally cleared of insurgents.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Thompson's left arm had to be amputated. As a result of this permanent disability, he was invalided out of the Army, ending his active military service.
Key Facts
- Recipient: Private Thompson, 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles.
- Date of Action: July 9, 1857.
- Location: Delhi, British India.
- Act of Valor: Saved Captain Wilton by killing two Ghazees during a sudden attack.
- Award: Victoria Cross (published in London Gazette, January 20, 1860).
- Injury: Severely wounded on September 14, 1857, leading to the amputation of his left arm.
| Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rescue of Captain Wilton | July 9, 1857 | Saved officer; killed two attackers |
| Assault on Delhi | September 14, 1857 | Severely wounded |
| City Cleared of Insurgents | September 20, 1857 | End of the battle for Delhi |
| Official Citation Published | January 20, 1860 | Awarded the Victoria Cross |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Private Thompson awarded the Victoria Cross?
He was awarded the medal for his gallant conduct on July 9, 1857, when he dashed forward to save Captain Wilton from a party of Ghazees, killing two of them in the process.
Was Private Thompson involved in the Siege of Lucknow?
No. Although some sources misinterpreted his citation because it did not explicitly name the city, Thompson was present at the Siege of Delhi, not Lucknow.
What happened to Private Thompson after the assault on Delhi?
He was badly wounded on September 14, 1857. His left arm was amputated, and he was subsequently invalided out of the British Army.
Who were the Ghazees mentioned in the account?
Ghazees were religious warriors who, in the context of the Indian Mutiny, launched sudden attacks on British forces, such as the rush from the serai that threatened Captain Wilton.
How many men from the 1/60th received the Victoria Cross for the Siege of Delhi?
Private Thompson was one of five men from the 1/60th elected to receive the Victoria Cross for their actions during the siege.