Charles John Stanley Gough VC

Name: Charles John Stanley Gough

Conflict: Indian Mutiny

Gazetted: October 21, 1859

Service: Indian Army

Place/date of birth: Chittagong, India/January 28, 1832

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Major (later General)

Date of bravery: August 15, 1857 – February 23, 1858

London Gazette citation:

5^th Bengal European Cavalry. Major Charles John Stanley Gough. Date of Acts of Bravery, 15^th and 18^th August, 1857, and 27^th January, and 23^rd February, 1858.

First, for gallantry in an affair at Khurkowdah, Cavalry Gough near Rhotuck, on the 15th of August, 1857, in which he saved his brother, who was wounded, and killed two of the Enemy.

Secondly, for gallantry on the 18th of August, when he led a Troop of the Guide Cavalry in a charge, and cut down two of the Enemy’s Sowars, with one of whom he had a desperate hand to hand combat.

Thirdly, for gallantly on the 27th of January, 1858, at Shum
shabad, where, in a charge, he attacked one of the Enemy’s leaders and pierced him with his sword, which was carried out of his hand in the melee. He defended himself with his revolver, and shot two of the Enemy.

Fourthly, for gallantry on the 23rd of February, at Meangunge, where he came to the assistance of Brevet-Major 0.H. St. George Anson, and killed his opponent, immediately afterwards cutting down another of the Enemy in the same gallant manner.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: GCB

Place/date of death: Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Ireland/September 6, 1912

Grave/memorials: S Patrick’s Cemetery, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Ireland

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Spink, London, 1996

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum