Augustus Henry Archibald Anson was a 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.

He was 22 years old, and a Captain in the 84th Regiment (later The York and Lancaster Regiment) , British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 September 1857 at Bolandshahr , India, the 9th Light Dragoons had charged through the town and were reforming on the Serai when the enemy tried to close the entrance by drawing their carts across it. Captain Anson, taking a lance, dashed out of the gateway and knocked the drivers off their carts. Owing to a wound in his left hand, he could not stop his horse and rode into the middle of the enemy who fired on him. At Lucknow, on 16 November 1857 he again showed great gallantry when he entered with a storming party on the gates being burst open; his horse was killed and he was slightly wounded.

He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.