A SCARCE VICTORIA CROSS CARTES DE VISITE OF LIEUTENANT CHARLES GEORGE BAKER AND COLONEL SWIRE BAKER WHO WAS AWARDED THE VICTORIA CROSS FOR ACTIONS DURING THE INDIAN MUTINY AND AN ATTACK ON THE REBELS AT SUHEJNEE IN WHICH HE LEAD A CAVALRY ATTACK WHICH DROVE THE ENEMY OUT

“For gallant conduct on the occasion of an attack on the rebels at Suhejnee, near Peroo, on the 27th September, 1858, which is thus described in this officer's own words. The enemy advanced. Without exchanging a shot, I at once retired slowly, followed up steadily by the rebel line for 100 yards clear of village or jungle, when, suddenly wheeling about my divisions into line, with a hearty cheer, we charged into and through the centre of the enemy's line, Lieutenant Broughton, with his detachment, immediately following up the movement, with excellent effect, from his position upon the enemy's left. The rebel right wing, of about 300 men, broke at once, but the centre and left, observing the great labour of the horses in crossing the heavy ground, stood, and receiving the charge with repeated volleys, were cut down, or broke only a few yards ahead of the cavalry. From this moment, the pursuit was limited to the strongest and best horses of the force, numbering some 60 of all ranks, who, dashing into and swimming a deep and wide nullah, followed the flying enemy through the village of Russowlee, and its sugar-cane khets, over two miles of swamp, and 500 yards into the thick jungles near Perob, when, both men and horses being completely exhausted, I sounded the halt and assembly, and, collected my wounded, returned to camp at Munjhaen about 6PM.†The charge ended in the utter defeat of the enemy, -and is referred to by Lord Clyde as adeserving of the highest encomium, on account both of conception and execution”

Charles George Baker (1830-1906) was born on 8th December 1830 in Noacolly, Bengal, India, and led a very adventurous and unusual life, which began with service at sea. He was employed by the P & O Company who conferred on him a testimonial for his part in the rescue of the passengers and crew of the SS Duro in 1854, which was wrecked on a shoal off the Paracel Island in the South China Sea. Accompanied by six other volunteers, Baker made a perilous voyage of over 500 miles in an open boat to fetch help. Short of water and food, they had to contend with heavy seas and the threat of Chinese pirates until they reached safety………….

The above taken from the fine vconline website:

http://www.vconline.org.uk/charles-g-baker-vc/4585939767.html

A scarce original period VC recipient VC CDV.