“For his distinguished bravery, and zealous, resolute, and self-devoted conduct at the battle of Ordahsu, on the 4th February, 1874, whilst serving under the immediate orders of Colonel Sir John Chetham McLeod, K.C.B., of the 42nd Regiment, who commanded the Advanced Guard. Sir John McLeod was an eye witness of his gallant find distinguished conduct on the occasion, and considers that this Officer's fearless and resolute bearing, being always in the front, urging on and encouraging an unarmed working party of Fantee labourers, who were exposed not only to the fire of the Enemy, but to the wild and irregular fire of the Native Troops in the rear, contributed very materially to the success of the day. By his example, he made these men do what no European party was ever required to do in warfare, namely, to work under fire in the face of the Enemy without a covering party.”
Mark Sever Bell (1843-1903) was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on 15th May 1843, the second son of the late Hutchinson Bell, who originally came from Yorkshire. He was educated privately and at King’s College, London (where in later life he was made a Fellow in 1890), and he entered the Royal Engineers in 1862…………..
The above taken from the fine vconline website:
http://www.vconline.org.uk/mark-sever-bell-vc/4585969430.html
A scarce original period VC recipient VC CDV.