James Reynolds Roberts VC

James Roberts, born in Bow, London, in 1826, served in the 9th Lancers throughout the Indian Mutiny and fought at the battle of Bulandshahar on 28 Sep 1857. During the fighting he saw that Farrier Stillman had been unhorsed and wounded. Roberts had been injured himself in the left hand but defended Stillman against the rebels who surrounded them. Help arrived and the two men were brought to safety. Farrier Stillman unfortunately died of his wounds. Roberts was recommended for the Victoria Cross along with several others of the 9th Lancers who had shown great bravery that day. His citation appeared in the London Gazette on 24 Dec 1858.
He returned to England with the regiment but became ill. He died in Middlesex Hospital, Marylebone, on 1 Aug 1859 so that he never received his medal. His brother was presented with the medal on 21 Sep 1859. James Reynolds Roberts was buried in an unmarked grave in Paddington Old Cemetery. His medals are displayed in the Regimental Museum in Derby. There is no picture of James Reynolds VC but this image is a detail from a painting by Orlando Norie showing the 9th Lancers in action in the Indian Mutiny.

Regimental Details | Soldiers