Henry Curtis VC

Name: Henry Curtis

Conflict: Crimean War

Gazetted: February 24, 1857

Service: Royal Navy

Place of birth/date of birth: Romsey, Hampshire/December 21, 1822

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Boatswain’s Mate

Date of bravery: June 18, 1855

London Gazette citation [joint citation]:

Henry Curtis, Boatswain’s Mate.

On the 18th June, 1855, immediately after the assault on Sebastopol, a soldier of the 57th Regiment, who had been shot through both legs, was observed sitting up, and calling for assistance. Climbing over the breastwork of the advanced sap, Commander Raby and the two seamen proceeded upwards of seventy yards across the open space towards the salient angle of the Redan, and in spite of the heavy fire which was still continuing, succeeded in carrying the wounded soldier to a place of safety, at the imminent risk of their own lives.

(Letter from Sir S. Lushington, 7th June, 1856.)

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place of death/date of death: Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire/November 23, 1896

Grave/memorials: Kingston Cemetery, Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased at auction, Spink, London, 1990

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