Born in Bardwell, Suffolk, Addison was about 37 years old, and a private in the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot (later The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the incident for which he was awarded the VC took place on 2 January 1859 near Kurrereah, India.

Private Henry Addison, of the 43rd Light Infantry, seeing him attacked and on the ground, rushed forward to defend and cover him in a most gallant manner.

The heroism displayed by Private Addison in thus placing himself between Lieutenant Osborne and his assailant at the critical juncture he did, thereby saving that officer's life, may, I hope, be deemed worthy of the Victoria Cross, for which honour I earnestly beg to recommend him.

Dangerously wounded — amputation above the knee performed on the field[3]His citation was recorded in the London Gazette as follows: Private Henry Addison.

For gallant conduct on the 2nd of January, 1859, near Kurrereah, in defending, against a large force, and saving the life of Lieutenant Osborn, Political Agent, who had fallen on the ground wounded.

[1] Gerald Young of the 43rd Light Infantry, whilst describing in his diary the 43rd's march through Central India, during the Indian Mutiny, referred to Addison having had his leg taken off without chloroform and the splendid manner in which he underwent the operation.