Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cawnpore, India, he was the 1st Earl, Viscount St. Pierre and was the highest-ranking British soldier to have been awarded the Victoria Cross. Serving as a Lieutenant on the staff of the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General, during the relief at Lucknow, India, he showed gallantry on every occasion. On January 2, 1858, following the retreating enemy at Khodagunge, Lieutenant Roberts saw in the distance two Sepoys going away with a standard. He rode his horse over to them and overtook them just as they were about to enter a village. They immediately turned round and presented their muskets at him and one of the men pulled the trigger, but fortunately the caps snapped and the standard-bearer was cut down by Lieutenant Roberts and he took possession of the standard. Also, on the same day, he cut down another Sepoy who was standing at bay, with musket and bayonet, keeping off a Sowar. Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the horseman, rushing at the Sepoy and with one blow of his sword killed him on the spot. For these actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later obtained the rank of Field Marshal Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in South Africa and was one of the most successful British commanders of the 19th Century. He died from pneumonia at age 82 in St. Omer, France.
Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cawnpore, India, he was the 1st Earl, Viscount St. Pierre and was the highest-ranking British soldier to have been awarded the Victoria Cross. Serving as a Lieutenant on the staff of the Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General, during the relief at Lucknow, India, he showed gallantry on every occasion. On January 2, 1858, following the retreating enemy at Khodagunge, Lieutenant Roberts saw in the distance two Sepoys going away with a standard. He rode his horse over to them and overtook them just as they were about to enter a village. They immediately turned round and presented their muskets at him and one of the men pulled the trigger, but fortunately the caps snapped and the standard-bearer was cut down by Lieutenant Roberts and he took possession of the standard. Also, on the same day, he cut down another Sepoy who was standing at bay, with musket and bayonet, keeping off a Sowar. Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the horseman, rushing at the Sepoy and with one blow of his sword killed him on the spot. For these actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later obtained the rank of Field Marshal Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in South Africa and was one of the most successful British commanders of the 19th Century. He died from pneumonia at age 82 in St. Omer, France.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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