14 Facts About Henry Tombs

Major General Sir Henry Tombs VC KCB was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Henry Tombs was born at sea on passage to India on 10 November 1824.

Henry Tombs was the youngest of seven to Major-General John Tombs, Bengal cavalry, and Mary Remington.

Henry Tombs was sent back to England for an education during which time he studied at John Roysse's Free School in Abingdon-on-Thames.

Henry Tombs received his commission as second lieutenant in the Bengal Horse Artillery on 11 June 1841, and first saw active service aged 19 during the Gwalior campaign.

Henry Tombs distinguished himself while fighting at the December 1843 battle of Punniar with the No 16 Light Field Battery, and was mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Punniar Star.

Henry Tombs was awarded a Sutlej Medal with two clasps in 1848.

Henry Tombs was present at the battles of Ramnagar, Chillianwallah and Goojerat.

Henry Tombs received the Punjab Medal with two clasps and was mentioned in dispatches.

Henry Tombs fought at the Battle of Badli-ki-Serai, where two horses were shot from under him.

Henry Tombs was present at the Siege of Delhi, during which he commanded the Bengal Horse Artillery contingent.

For services at the siege of Delhi, Henry Tombs was promoted brevet lieutenant-colonel and made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in January 1858.

Henry Tombs was promoted brevet colonel in July 1858, and lieutenant-colonel, Royal Artillery, in April 1861.

Henry Tombs was somewhat of a martinet, and was more feared than liked by his men until they realized what a grand leader he was, when they gave him their entire confidence, and were ready to follow him anywhere and everywhere.