A SCARCE VICTORIA CROSS CARTES DE VISITE PORTRAYING MAJOR HENRY TOMBS, AWARDED THE VICTORIA CROSS FOR ACTIONS DURING THE INDIAN MUTINY

It was during this siege, on the 9th of July, 1857 that he performed the act of gallantry for which he was to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

On that day, he was acting on behalf of Lieutenant Hills in defending a position from the enemy. Also, on two separate occasions, he went to the aid of his subaltern, and killed two men in defending him. His award of the Victoria Cross was gazetted on 24th April 1858. His medal was presented to him later that year in India. On 28th April 1861, he was promoted to Regimental Lieutenant Colonel and relinquished command of his troop. He was appointed to the 2nd Brigade Royal Horse Artillery to command at Meerut. On 16th May 1863, he was appointed Brigadier General and command of the Gwalior District, and from February to April 1865, he was given command of the right column of the Bhutan Field Force to recapture Dewangiri. He was congratulated for his command and made Aide de Camp to Queen Victoria.

CDV approx 10.5 x 6.3cm. The above taken from the fine vconline website:

http://www.vconline.org.uk/sir-henry-tombs-vc/4588341260.html

A scarce original period VC recipient VC CDV.