William Henry Dick-Cunyngham
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William Henry Dick-Cunyngham (16 June 1851-6 January 1900) was a Scottish 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.
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[edit] Details
He was 28 years old, and a lieutenant in The Gordon Highlanders, British Army during the Second Afghan War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 13 December 1879 during the attack on the Sherpur Pass, Afghanistan there was a momentary wavering of the troops who had been beaten back at the top of the hill. Lieutenant Dick-Cunyngham rushed forward and gallantly exposed himself to the full fire being poured upon this point. He rallied the men by his example and cheering words, and calling on those near to follow him, charged into the middle of the enemy.
He was killed in action, Ladysmith, Natal, South Africa, on 6 January 1900.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum (Aberdeen, Scotland).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
