[1] When 25 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 9th Lancers (The Queen's Royal), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 28 September 1857 at Bolandshahr, India for which he was awarded the VC: For conspicuous bravery at Bolundshahur, on the 28th of September, 1857, in defending against a number of the enemy his commanding officer, Captain Drysdale, who was lying in a street with his collar-bone broken, his horse having been disabled by a shot, and remaining with him until out of danger.

Despatch from Major-General Sir James Hope Grant, K.C.B., dated 8th April, 1858.

[2]He later joined the 1st Bengal European Light Cavalry (renamed the 19th Hussars in 1862) and achieved the rank of sergeant.

[3][4] In June 1901 he received the Royal Victorian Medal from King Edward VII during an inspection of the Yeomen.

[5] Kells died on 14 April 1905 and he is buried in Lambeth cemetery in South London.