William Spottiswoode Trevor
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William Spottiswoode Trevor (9 October 1831-2 November 1907) 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.
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[edit] Details
He was 33 years old, and a major in the Bengal Engineers, Indian Army during the Bhutan War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 30 April 1865 at Dewan-Giri, Bhootan, India, a number of the enemy, about 200 strong, had barricaded themselves in the blockhouse, which they continued to defend after the main body was in retreat. The blockhouse, which was loopholed, was the key of the enemy's position and on the orders of the general in command, Major Trevor and another officer (James Dundas) had to climb a 14 ft (4 m) wall and then go head first through an opening only 2 feet (600 mm) wide. The two officers scaled the wall, followed, after they had set the example, by the Sikh soldiers, but they were both wounded.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of major general.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum (Chatham, England).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- The Sapper VCs (Gerald Napier, 1998)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
[edit] External links
- Royal Engineers Museum Sappers VCs
- Location of grave and VC medal (Kensal Green Cemetery)
