James Colthurst TRAVERS V.C. C.B. [33983]

  General Notes:

Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cork, Ireland, the son of Major General Sir Robert Travers, he was a veteran of service in Afghanistan between 1840 and 1842, seeing action at Zamindanar, Ghuzni and Mydan. He was serving as a colonel with the 2nd Bengal Native Infantry when he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the VC. From his citation: atceWhen the Presidency at Indore, India, during the Indian mutiny in July 1857, was surprisingly attacked by the Holkar's troops, Colonel Travers with only five men in support charged the guns, driving the Gunners away, and thereby causing a timely diversion, undoubtedly saving the lives of many persons. Officers who were present at the time considered that as a result of the charge, it enabled many Europeans to escape from actual slaughter and gained valuable time allowtig the Bhopal Infantry in man their guns Colonel Travers' horse had been wounded in three places as well as his accoutrements being shot through.S€ He was later promoted in general and made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He passed away in Verbania-Pallanza, Italy, at the age of 63. His medals are not publicly held. (bio by: Paul F. Wilson)