Richard Wadeson

Richard Wadeson VC
Born	(1826-07-31)31 July 1826
Died	24 January 1885(1885-01-24) (aged 58)
Place of birth	Lancaster, Lancashire
Place of death	Royal Hospital, Chelsea
Buried at	Brompton Cemetery
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Colonel
Unit	75th Regiment of Foot
Battles/wars	Indian Mutiny
Awards	Victoria Cross

Colonel Richard Wadeson VC (31 July 1826 – 24 January 1885) was an English 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.

Victoria Cross

Wadeson was 30 years old, and a lieutenant in the 75th Regiment of Foot (later The Gordon Highlanders), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 18 July 1857 at Delhi, British India, for which he was awarded the VC:

For conspicuous bravery at Delhi on the 18th of July, 1857, when the Regiment was engaged in the Subjee Mundee, in having saved the life of Private Michael Farrell, when attached by a Sowar of the enemy's Cavalry, and killing the Sowar. Also, on the same day, for rescuing Private John Barry, of the same Regiment, when, wounded and helpless, he was attacked by a Cavalry Sowar, whom Lieutenant Wadeson killed.

Later life

Commissioned from the ranks he later achieved the rank of colonel. He died in 1885 and is buried in Brompton Cemetery. Wadeson was colonel-in-charge of Chelsea Barracks and has a plaque on barracks wall. He was also Lieutenant Governor of the Royal Chelsea Hospital where he died.

Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen, Scotland.

References

• Obituary
• Location of grave and VC medal (Brompton Cemetery)

External links

•  "Wadeson, Richard". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.