Rodgers was about 29 years old, and a private in the 71st Regiment (later The Highland Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 16 June 1858 at Marar, Gwalior for which he was awarded the VC: For daring conduct at Marar, Gwalior, on the 16th of June, 1858, in attacking by himself a party of seven Rebels, one of whom he killed.

This was remarked as a valuable service, the party of Rebels being well armed and strongly posted in the line of advance of a detachment of the 71st Regiment.

He visited his sister in order to get an alcoholic drink but was refused and told to lie down in her flat.

Some time later Rodgers got up and found a bottle of sulphuric acid and thinking it was alcohol, drank it, causing his death.

[2] His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, Glasgow, Scotland.