Robert Grant (VC)

Robert Grant VC (1837 – 23 November 1874) 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.

Grant was approximately 20 years old, and a corporal (subsequently promoted to sergeant) in the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment of Foot (later The Northumberland Fusiliers), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place at Alumbagh for which he was awarded the VC.

THE Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention to confer the Decoration of the Victoria Cross on the under-mentioned Soldiers of Her Majesty's Army, whose claims to the same have been submitted for Her Majesty's approval, on account of Acts of Bravery performed by them in India, as recorded against their several names; viz.

For conspicuous devotion at Alumbagh, on the 24th September, 1857, in proceeding under a heavy and galling fire to save the life of Private E. Deveney, whose leg had been shot away, and eventually carrying him safe into camp, with the assistance of the late Lieutenant Brown, and some comrades.He later became a constable in the Metropolitan Police, and served in the Y Division Holloway[3] area until his death of what was then commonly known as consumption in 1874.

He was buried, at the expense of the parish, in a paupers' grave, number 15054, in Highgate Cemetery, North London.

The grave of Sgt Robert Grant, Highgate Cemetery