The superb Indian Mutiny V.C. group of seven awarded to Major General Sir Henry ‘Harry’ Tombs, V.C., K.C.B., one of the great heroes of the Victorian era, who was mentioned in despatches for every campaign in which he fought, gaining the award of the Victoria Cross for gallantry before Delhi on 9 July 1857 - When attacked by a column of the 8th Irregular cavalry who had mutinied at Bareli, he twice at the last moment saved the life of his wounded subaltern, shooting one assailant dead with his pistol and despatching another with his sword, Major Tombs himself only being saved from a severe sword cut by the wadded head-dress that he wore - Following this action he was immediately recommended for ‘the highest distinction that can be awarded for valour and heroism’, but only after his Commanding Officer had torn up Tombs’ own report of events, in which he had failed to mention any of his own gallant exploits - Twice wounded and with five horses shot under him, ‘Harry’ Tombs’ deeds and dashing good looks were the stuff of legend and he was lauded by all that knew him - As a result of Tombs’ gallantry, his Troop was awarded the title of Tombs’ Troop, which troop still survives to this day as part of 19th Regiment, Royal Artillery

Victoria Cross, reverse of the suspension bar inscribed (Lt. Col. Henry Tombs C.B., Bengal Artillery), reverse centre of the cross dated (9 July 1857); The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, K.C.B. (Military) Knight Commander’s neck badge, gold and enamels, hallmarks for ‘London 1867’, and breast star, silver, gold and enamels; Punniar Star 1843, fitted with contemporary bronze suspension bar to match the V.C. (Lieut’t H. Tombs, 3rd Compy, 5th Batt, Artillery); Sutlej 1845-46, for Moodkee 1845, 2 clasps, Ferozeshuhur, Aliwal (Lieut. H. Tombs, 1st Brigade, H. Ay.); Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Chilianwala, Goojerat (Lieut. H. Tombs, D.A.Q.M.G., Bengal Army); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Delhi, Lucknow (Major Henry Tombs, Bengal Arty.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Bhootan (Brigadier General H. Tombs, Royal Arty) the V.C. nearly extremely fine and retaining most of its original finish, K.C.B. neck badge with small chip to white enamel of one arm, damage to two leaf-tips of wreath of breast star and some enamel loss to wreath on both pieces, the campaign medals with some contact wear, sometime cleaned and now toned, otherwise generally very fine and better (8) £200000-250000

V.C. London Gazette 27 April 1858.

Major Henry Tombs was awarded his V.C. for twice saving the life of Second Lieutenant James Hills, who was also awarded a Victoria Cross for the same action. They were both recommended for the award by Lieutenant Colonel M. Mackenzie, Commanding 1st Brigade, Horse Artillery and it is worthy of note that it is documented that Mackenzie first ‘tore up Tomb’s own report in which he had said nothing about his own part in the affair.’

Second Lieutenant James Hills (later known as Hills-Johnes) went on to have a distinguished military career, attaining the rank of Lieutenant-General and being made G.C.B. in 1893. His awards are in the collection of the Royal Artillery Museum.

In relation to the award of the V.C. to Tombs and Hills, Despatch No. 40, containing Lieutenant Colonel M. Mackenzie’s report written on 10 July 1857, the day following the action states the following:

‘It is with great pleasure I submit, for the information of the Brigadier Commandant, the following account of the very gallant conduct of Second Lieutenant James Hills, of the 2nd Troop, 1st Brigade Horse Artillery, and the noble behaviour of his commanding officer, Major H. Tombs, in twice coming to his subaltern’s rescue and on each occasion killing his man.

Yesterday, the 9th inst., Second Lieutenant J. Hills was on picket duty, with two guns, at the mound to the right of the camp. At about eleven o’clock a.m. there was a rumour that the enemy’s cavalry were coming down on his post. Lieutenant Hills proceeded to take up the position assigned in case of alarm, but before he reached the spot he saw the enemy close upon his guns, before he had time to form up. To enable him to do this, Lieutenant Hills boldly charged, single-handed, the head of the enemy’s column, cut down the first man, struck the second and was ridden down, horse and all.

On getting up and searching for his sword, three more men came at him (two mounted). The first man he wounded with his pistol, he caught the lance of the second with his left hand, and wounded him with his sword. The first man then came again and was cut down; the third man (on foot) then came up and wrenched the sword from the hand of Lieutenant Hills (who fell in the struggle), and the enemy was about to cut him down when Major Tombs (who had gone up to visit his two guns) saw what was going on, rushed in and shot the man and saved Lieutenant Hills. By this time the enemy’s cavalry had passed by, and Major Tombs and Lieutenant Hills went to look after the wounded men, when Lieutenant Hills observed one of the enemy passing with his (Lieutenant Hills’) pistol. They walked towards him. The man began flourishing his sword and dancing about. He first cut at Lieutenant Hills, who parried the blow, and he then turned on Major Tombs, who received the blow in the same manner. His second attack on Lieutenant Hills was, I regret to say, more successful, as he was cut down with a bad sword cut on the head, and would have no doubt been killed had not Major Tombs rushed in and put his sword through the man.

I feel convinced that such gallant conduct on the part of these two officers has only to be brought properly forward to meet with an appropriate reward. Major Tombs was saved from a severe sword cut on the head by the wadded head-dress he wore.’

The Commander-in-Chief, when forwarding the above report stated: ‘It is unnecessary for me to make any further comment on Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie’s report than to observe that the conduct of these officers has always been conspicuous for distinguished gallantry and that in recommending them to the most favourable consideration of the Governor General in Council, I consider them to be worthy of the highest distinction that can be awarded for valour and heroism.’

Account of The action, written with the assistance of Major General Sir Henry Tombs, V.C., K.C.B
(Extracted from Kaye and Malleson’s History of The Indian Mutiny 1857-8)

‘On the 9th of July the mutineers came out in force against us. Intelligence of their design reached General Reed in the morning, and he was in some measure prepared for them; but he scarcely expected a daring inroad of rebel Cavalry into our Camp. But about ten o'clock, through a mist of heavy rain, our English officers, on the "Mound" discerned their approach. Here, on a piece of elevated ground to the right rear of our Camp, was planted a battery of three heavy guns, with the usual Infantry Picquet. In addition to this a Cavalry Picquet was thrown out, somewhat in advance of the Mound; and this now consisted of a party of Carabineers, two Horse Artillery guns of Tombs’s troop, and a detachment of the 9th Irregular Cavalry, under a Native officer, which occupied the extreme point in advance.

Perplexed by the appearance of the familiar uniform of the Irregular Cavalry of our own picquets, our people at first thought that they had been driven in by the advance of the enemy; and so the guns, which might have opened upon them, were pointed harmlessly at the troopers. These men were dressed exactly like the 9th Irregulars, which led to the supposition that part of that regiment which was on picquet on that flank, had mutinied; but it turned out that the greater part of them, at least, belonged to the 8th Irregulars who had mutinied at Bareli.

But there was something much worse than this. The mistake of the British Artillery was followed by the disgrace of the British Cavalry. As the Irregulars of the 8th from Delhi swept on, the detachment of Carabineers, which formed a part of the picquet, turned and fled. Stillman, who commanded them, remained alone at his post. With respect to the flight of the Carabineers, General Reed wrote: “In the confusion, I am sorry to say a detachment of the Carabineers, who were escorting the guns, gave way, in spite of the endeavours of their officers to stop them. These men I propose to dismount as a disgrace to them. It would appear that they are composed mostly of recruits, and, being mounted on half-broken horses, do not know how to manage them."

The first error was soon discovered. Hills, who was in charge of the artillery - two horse-artillery guns - of the picquet, saw presently that it was a hostile attack, and ordered out his guns for action. But the enemy were upon him; he had not time to open fire. In this emergency the dashing Artillery subaltern - a man of light weight and short stature, young in years, but with the coolness of a veteran and the courage of a giant - set spurs to his horse and rushed into the midst of the advancing troopers, cutting right and left at them with good effect, until two of them charged him at the same time, and by the shock of the collision, both horse and rider were thrown violently to the ground. Regaining his feet after his assailants had passed on, he recovered his sword in time to renew the combat with three Sawars, two mounted and one on foot.

The two first he cut down, and then engaged the third, a young, active swordsman of good courage, who came fresh to the encounter, whilst Hills, scant of breath and shaken by his fall, had lost all his first strength, but none of his first courage. The heavy cloak, too, which he wore, as a protection against the rain, dragged at his throat, and well-nigh choked him. The chances were now fearfully against him. Twice he fired, but his pistol snapped, and then he cut at his opponent's shoulder. The blow did not take effect; and the trooper, watching his opportunity, clutched at the English subaltern's sword and wrested it from him. Hills then closed with his enemy, grappled him so that he could not strike out with his sabre, and smote him with clenched fist again and again on the face, until the Englishman slipped and fell to the ground.

The" Mound" was a favourite place of gathering in Camp. It commonly happened that many of our officers were to be seen there, watching the progress of events below, or discussing the operations of the siege. But the heavy rain of the 9th of July had driven our people to the shelter of their tents. Among others, Major Tombs was in the Artillery mess-tent - one of the cheeriest places in Camp - when a trooper of the 9th Irregular Cavalry, in a state of high excitement, rode up and asked the way to the General’s quarters. In reply to a question from Tombs, he said that the enemy were showing in front of our picquets; but the man's words seemed but scantly to express all that was in him, so Tombs hurried to his own tent, took his sword and revolver, and ordering his horse to be brought after him, walked down to the Mound Picquets. As he approached the post, he saw the Carabineers drawn up in mounted array, and our guns getting ready for action. In a minute there was a tremendous rush of Irregular Horse, the troopers brandishing their swords and vociferating lustily; and then there was to be seen the sad spectacle of our Dragoons broken and flying to the rear, whilst one of our guns went rightabout, some of the horses mounted and some riderless, and galloped towards our Camp.

Tombs was now in the midst of the enemy, who were striking at him from all sides, but with no effect. A man of a noble presence, tall, strong, of robust frame and handsome countenance, dark-haired, dark-bearded, and of swarthy complexion, he was, in all outward semblance, the model of a Faringhi warrior; and the heroic aspect truly expressed the heroic qualities of the man. There was no finer soldier in the Camp. Threading his way adroitly through the black horsemen, he ascended the Mound, and looking down into the hollow, where his two guns had been posted, he saw the remaining one overturned, the horses on the ground, struggling in their harness or dead, with some slain or wounded gunners beside them. Near the guns he saw the prostrate body of Hills, apparently entangled in his cloak, with a dismounted Sawar standing over him with drawn sword, about to administer the death-stroke. At this time Tombs was some thirty paces from his friend. He could not hope to reach the enemy in time to cut him down with the sabre, so resting his revolver on his left arm, he took steady aim at the trooper, who was turned full-breasted towards him, and shot him through the body. The blood oozed out through the white tunic of the wounded rebel, and, for a while at least, Hills was saved.

But the danger was not yet passed. Tombs helped his fallen subaltern to rise, and together they ascended the slope of the Mound. As they were watching the movements of the enemy, they saw a little way beneath them another dismounted Sawar, who was walking away with Hills' revolver in his hand. They made at once towards him. He was a young, strong, active trooper, who turned and attacked them with his sword, as one well skilled in the use of the weapon. His first blow aimed at Hills was parried. Then he struck at Tombs, who with like address guarded the cut. But the third blow, struck with despairing energy, as he sprung upon the younger of his opponents, broke down Hills' guard, and clove the skull to the brain. In a moment he had turned upon Tombs, who coolly parried the blow and drove his sword right through the trooper's body.

Early Life and Campaigning

Henry Tombs was born in Calcutta in 1825, the seventh and youngest son of Major General John Tombs and Mary Tombs (née Remington). He joined the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in February 1838, at the age of fourteen, going on to Addiscombe College from August 1839, where he remained until June 1841, when he was gazetted to the Bengal Artillery.

He reached Calcutta on 18 November 1841, and two years later, joined the Army of Gwalior; being present at the action of Punniar with the 16th Light Field Battery (Mentioned in Despatches for having “done good service by firing with effect on the enemy when commanding two guns on rearguard” and received Medal).

In January 1844 he was promoted to Lieutenant and in March of the same year was appointed to the 1st Troop, 1st Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery. He served in the Sutlej Campaign of 1845-46, and was present at the actions of Moodkee, Ferozeshuhur and Aliwal. He acted as A.D.C. to General Sir Harry Smith at Buddiwal and Aliwal (Mentioned in Despatches and received the Medal with two clasps).

Lieutenant Tombs served in the Punjab Campaign of 1848-49 as D.A.Q.M.G. to all the artillery commanded by Brigadier James Tennant, Bengal Artillery. He was present at the action of Ramnugger, at the passage of the Chenab, at the fight at Sadulapur and the Battle of Chillianwallah, and at Gujerat, when Lord Gough completely routed the Sikhs (Mentioned in Despatches for Chillianwallah and Gujerat and recommended for a Brevet Majority on promotion to Captain, and received the Punjab Medal with two clasps).

On 30 October 1850, he was appointed Adjutant of the 2nd Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery, which post he held until 30 November 1853, when he was transferred to the Field Artillery on proceeding on furlough. He became Captain on 25 July 1854; and Brevet-Major on 1 August 1854; reappointed to the Bengal Horse Artillery 27 November 1855, and was given command of the 2nd Troop, 1st Brigade, at Jullundur in 1856, which troop he was to make famous during the Indian Mutiny.

Indian Mutiny and Fame

The 2nd Troop, 1st Brigade, marched from Jullundur to Meerut, arriving there on 16 March 1857. At one of the encamping grounds near Delhi, Major Tombs was told by the "Tehsildar" (Native Executive Revenue Official) there was a prophecy that the whole country would be running in blood ; that British rule would be nearly destroyed, but that it would recover itself and be stronger than ever. The Indian Mutiny broke out at Meerut on 10 May, 1857, when the native cavalry and infantry stationed there revolted and murdered their officers with their wives and many other Europeans also. Tombs's troop was the first to respond to the alarm.

With the 60th Rifle and Carabiniers it moved down to the blazing lines of the native regiments. At their approach the rebels moved off to Delhi. Tombs's troop bivouacked for the night on the open ground between the lines of the artillery and 60th Rifles. On 27 May four of the guns of the troop, under Major Tombs, Lieutenant’s Perkins and Wilson and Second Lieutenant James Hills, accompanied Brigadier Archdale Wilson on his march towards Delhi while the remaining two guns were left under Lieutenant T. P. Smith for the protection of Meerut On 30 and 31 May were fought the actions on the Hindun. On the 30th Tombs's horse was shot. On the 31st the enemy unexpectedly attacked near the Hindun. Tombs's troop crossed the river, took the rebels in flank and silenced their guns. Other troops co-operated, and after a severe fight of two hours the enemy was routed and Lieutenant Perkins killed. The splendid behaviour of Tombs's troop was the admiration of all.

On 7 June General Archdale Wilson's column joined the force under the Commander-in-Chief, General Sir H. Barnard, at Alipur, which on the 8th completely defeated the rebels in the Battle of Badli-ke-Serai. On the same day the heights before Delhi were occupied by the Commander-in-Chief, and from that time until the final capture of the city on 20 September the troop took part in almost daily fights. For some days after reaching the ridge Tombs helped to defend the post at Hindu Rao's House. After the heavy guns were in position the troop was on picquet duty (two guns at a time) at “The Mound," in rear of the right flank of the camp.

Tombs greatly distinguished himself in the events of 17, 19 and 23 June, and he took a prominent part in the destruction of a battery which the enemy was constructing near a Mohammedan mosque, called the Idgah, which Earl Roberts thus describes in his book, Forty-One Years in India:

"On 17 June, 1857, we were attacked from almost every direction, a manoeuvre intended to prevent our observing a battery which was being constructed close to the Idgah situated on a hill to our right, from which to enfilade our position on the ridge. As it was very important to prevent the completion of this battery, Barnard ordered it to be attacked by two small columns, one commanded by Tombs of the Bengal Horse Artillery, the other by Reid. Tombs, with 400 of the 60th Rifles and 1st Bengal Fusiliers, 30 of the Guides Cavalry, 20 Sappers and Miners, and his own troop of Horse Artillery, moved towards the enemy's left. Tombs drove the rebels through a succession of gardens, till they reached the Idgah, where they made an obstinate but unavailing resistance. The gates of the mosque were blown open and thirty-nine of its defenders were killed. Tombs himself was slightly wounded, and had two horses killed, making five which had been shot under this gallant soldier since the commencement of the campaign.

Henry Tombs, of the Bengal Horse Artillery was an unusually handsome man and a thorough soldier. His gallantry in the attack in the Idgah was the talk of the camp. I had always heard of Tombs as one of the best officers in the regiment, and it was with feelings of respectful admiration that I made his acquaintance. As a cool, bold leader of men Tombs was unsurpassed; no fire, however hot, and no crisis, however unexpected, could take him by surprise. He grasped the situation in a moment and issued his orders without hesitation, inspiring all ranks with confidence in his power and capacity. He was something of a martinet, and was more feared than liked by his men until they realised what a grand leader he was, when they gave him their entire confidence and were ready to follow him anywhere and everywhere." The men got to worship him. Tombs was publicly commended by the Commander-in-Chief, who described his conduct as "glorious."

On 19 June Tombs guns were saved from capture by Daly with his Guides, who had come up after their magnificent march from Hoti Mardan to Delhi. On 23 June Major Tombs was in command of the artillery during heavy fighting in scorching heat. Early on 9 July the rebels made a sudden attack on the English camp, and for their gallantry on this occasion Tombs and Hills were awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette 24 April 1858). The Right Honourable the Governor-General of India, in a General Order dated 4 December 1857, remarked : "The readiness and coolness, as well as gallantry, evinced by Major Tombs of the Bengal Artillery, on various occasions recorded in these papers, and the signal daring of Lieut. Hills, who alone and unsupported charged a body of the enemy's cavalry and saved his battery, commanded the admiration of the Governor-General in Council."

At the Battle of Najafgarh, on 25 August 1857, Major Tombs commanded the artillery, and Lieutenant Wilson commanded Tombs's troop. Brigadier-General John Nicholson mentioned Tombs in Despatches for his services in this engagement (London Gazette 24 November 1857). For the assault on Delhi, 14 September 1857, No. 10 Battery, under the command of Major H. Tombs, "was erected near the Kudsia Bagh and, armed with four 10-inch and six 8-inch mortars, commenced firing on the night of the 10th. Its task was to assist in silencing the guns in the Kashmir and Water Bastions and in the Curtain between." On the day of the assault the troop suffered so heavily during the Siege of Delhi, that it was not fit to accompany the column despatched to the south after the fall of that place.

In October it was ordered to Meerut to refit, and in January 1858, joined the force under Sir Colin Campbell at Cawnpore, and took part in the operations before Lucknow and in subsequent actions in Oudh and Rohilcund. From 16 to 19 March, 2/1 Horse Artillery accompanied a column under Brigadier Campbell in pursuit of the rebels, and then joined Major-General Walpole's force in the Western Oudh; was present at the taking of Fort Rooiya 15 April, 1858, and at the affair of Allygunge. Tombs and his troop took part in the Battle of Bareilly, under the Commander-in-Chief, and in the Relief of Shahjehanpore 18 May 1858.

He next commanded the artillery of a column which proceeded to Mohumdee on 24 to 29 May and also of a force which was sent to Shahabad on 31 May. The troop returned to Meerut in August 1858, and was specially mentioned in General Orders, 4 December 1858, by the Commander-in-Chief, while Tombs himself was highly praised in Despatches on every occasion. He was also eulogised by the Government and in the House of Lords by the Secretary of State. He was twice wounded, had five horses shot under him, was promoted to Brevet Colonel 20 July 1858, and in addition to the Victoria Cross was created a C.B. (London Gazette 22 January 1858) and received the Indian Mutiny Medal with two clasps.

Senior Command, Later Life and an Untimely Death

On 29 April 1861, Tombs was promoted to Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, and relinquished the command of his troop. He was appointed to the 2nd Brigade Royal Horse Artillery, and to the command of the artillery at Meerut. On 16 May 1863, he was appointed Brigadier-General to command the Gwalior district, and from February to April 1865, he was selected by the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Hugh Rose, to command the right column of the Bhutan Field Force for the purpose of recapturing Dewangiri. It was under his command at this time that the Victoria Cross was won by Trevor and Dundas. General Tombs was thanked by Government for his distinguished services in the capture and destruction of Dewangiri, received the Medal and clasp for the campaign, and was appointed A.D.C. to Queen Victoria, and given a Good Service Reward in 1865.

He was awarded the K.C.B. on 14 March 1868. On promotion to Major-General 11 March, 1867, he relinquished the command of the Gwalior district and proceeded to England. In 1869 Sir Henry Tombs married Georgina Janet, youngest daughter of Admiral Sir James Stirling, K.C.B. (the first Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Western Australia), and Ellen, daughter of James Mangles, Esq., M.P. for Guildford. They had three children: Dorothea Gwladys, later Countess of Lanesborough; Mabel who married Major Boyce Combe, 11th Hussars, and Henry Edwin Stirling, who died in infancy.

In August 1871, Sir Henry Tombs was appointed to the command of the Allahabad Division, and on 1 April, 1872, was transferred to the Oudh Division. From December 1871 to January 1872, he commanded the 3rd Division at the Army Manoeuvres near Delhi, under Lord Napier of Magdala.

Sir Henry Tombs became ill and, in February 1874, he left Lucknow on sick leave but by the time he reached Marseilles his illness had become so serious that he underwent an operation in Paris. On reaching England he was told that his illness was incurable, and he bore this crushing blow with the utmost fortitude and resignation, and went to Newport, Isle of Wight, to end his days. His sufferings became more intense, but he endured them without hope of relief and without complaining, ‘in the true spirit of a brave Christian soldier’, and on Sunday, 2 August 1874, died before he was fifty. He was buried in the Cemetery at Carisbrooke. Her Majesty Queen Victoria during his last illness is said to have ‘constantly inquired after him’, and on his death expressed much sorrow at the great loss which Her Majesty, the Army and his family had sustained.

Lord Roberts wrote: “Tombs was marked out from the beginning of his career for success. He was gifted with a bright and cheerful nature, great charm of manner, good looks, and a fine soldierly bearing, which all contributed to make ‘Harry’ Tombs the attractive and remarkable figure we knew and loved.” Sir George Cowper, Bart., C.B ., who had known Tombs since they were boys together at Sandhurst, said of him that: "In the eyes of all those who had watched his career from its brilliant and joyous commencement to its most sad and untimely end, he was the very type of Spartan fortitude, of chivalrous valour and of every manly grace ... one who united in himself all the attributes of a heroic martyr, of a splendid soldier, and of a knightly gentleman."

Sir James Hills Johnes, V.C., G.C.B. whose life was twice saved by Tombs wrote: “I am only too glad to do anything I can to help to make public Sir Harry Tombs’ good name. He was the finest commander I ever served under, and that is saying a great deal, as I have served under Sir Donald Stewart and Lord Roberts, and other good men. It was splendid the way Tombs used to lead his men into action-just as if on an ordinary field day -the troops advancing in line with him a few yards in front, so steady at all paces, walk, trot, or gallop. Whenever I speak or write of Tombs his splendid leading always comes before me."

A fund was collected in India and in England, and a memorial was placed in the Garrison Church at Woolwich, and with the remainder of the money “the Tombs Memorial Scholarship” was founded, to be awarded to the Senior Cadet who is periodically commissioned to the Royal Artillery from the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. The award of this scholarship was made to two and sometimes three students on an annual basis and in 1913 a magnificently bound memoir dedicated to the life of Major General Sir Henry Tombs, V.C., K.C.B. was published and presented to each of the prize winners from that date forward. A copy of one of these rare books, contained in its original gilt tooled, full blue calf leather binding is sold with the lot.