The regiment reached Calcutta in September 1857, just in time to join Sir Colin Campbell's advance to relieve the Siege of Lucknow.

The heroic achievements of Sir Colin's few forces are now matters of history, foremost among them stand the operations of 16 November: the Capture of the Secunderabagh and the Shah Najaf, deeds with which the name of the 93rd will ever be associated.

The first VC exploit of that day was undertaken by Captain George Stewart, whose action was witnessed by Surgeon William Munro of the 93rd Highlanders.

Stewart, with some Highlanders and a few of the 53rd Regiment of Foot, advanced towards two of the enemy's guns, which were maintaining a heavy flanking fire and which covered the approach to the barracks, a large cross-shaped building surrounded by outhouses.

He was gazetted on 24 December 1858 and his citation read: For distinguished personal gallantry at Lucknow, on the 16th November, 1857, in leading an attack upon and capturing two guns, by which the position of the mess house was secured.

[4]Six Victoria Crosses in all were bestowed on the 93rd Highlanders for their gallantry on 16 November, but Sir Colin Campbell decided, perhaps fearing that he might be accused of partiality, that only one of these should be given to the officers.

Stewart took part in the storming of the Mogum's Palace on 11 March 1858,and, with characteristic daring, led a small party beyond the building in pursuit of the mutineers.

With Lucknow captured, the 93rd was sent into Rohilkand under Brigadier-General Walpole, helped to defeat the enemy at Alaganj, and fought under Sir Colin Campbell at Bareilly.