Samuel Morley (VC) - Victoria Cross

Victoria Cross

On 15 April 1858, Morley was in position at Nathupur, near Azimgurh, in north-east India. Morley was a private in the 2nd Battalion, Military Train (later Royal Army Service Corps), British Army. During the fighting, Morley and Farrier Michael Murphy were severely wounded while defending an injured comrade, Lieutenant Hamilton, adjutant of the 3rd Sikh Cavalry. Hamilton died from his injuries the next evening. His citation reads:

2nd Battalion, Military Train, No. 201, Private Samuel Morley

Date of Act of Bravery, April 15, 1858

On the evacuation of Azimgurh by Koer Sing's Army, on the 15th of April, 1858, a Squadron of the Military Train, and half a Troop of Horse Artillery, were sent in pursuit. Upon overtaking them, and coming into action with their rear-guard, a Squadron of the 3rd Seikh Cavalry (also detached in pursuit), and one Troop of the Military Train, were ordered to charge, when Lieutenant Hamilton, who commanded the Seikhs, was unhorsed, and immediately surrounded by the Enemy, who commenced cutting and hacking him whilst on the ground. Private Samuel Morley, seeing the predicament that Lieutenant Hamilton was in, although his (Morley's) horse had been shot from under him, immediately and most gallantly rushed up, on foot, to his assistance, and in conjunction with Farrier Murphy, who has already received the Victoria Cross for the same thing, cut down one of the Sepoys, and fought over Lieutenant Hamilton's body, until further assistance came up, and thereby was the means of saving Lieutenant Hamilton from being killed on the spot.

Although Murphy was gazetted and received his VC promptly, Morley did not. In May 1860, Morley complained during a parade. An investigation was held, and his medal was awarded. The announcement appeared in the London Gazette on 7 August 1860.