Indian Mutiny
In May 1857 the native troops at Meerut mutinied, and the remainder of troops throughout Bengal soon followed their example. On 30 August 1857, the 1st Battalion under the command of Lord Mark Kerr, embarked at Port Elizabeth (South Africa) at 24 hours notice, for India, and landed at Calcutta on 3 October 1857. On 27 March 1858, Lord Mark Kerr received orders from the Viceroy to march to the relief of Azimghur, which is about 50 miles north of Benares. They arrived at Azimghur on 5 April 1858, and commenced fighting the next morning.
In this action Sergeant William Napier saw Private Benjamin Milnes lying severely wounded and went to his rescue. While surrounded by Sepoys he bandaged Private Milnes wounds. Suddenly he was shot at, leaving a gaping wound over his left eye. Blinded by the blood pouring down his face, Sergeant Napier continued to fight back until he finally picked up Private Milnes and carried him to safety. This daring act was sufficient to induce Lord Mark Kerr to ask the sergeant whether he would like a commission. The sergeant declined that honour. For his heroism he was specially mentioned in dispatches and received the Victoria Cross and promotion to the rank of Sergeant Major.
Through to December 1858 he fought in the following battles in India:
- Belwah
- Captaingunge
- Bustee
- Hurryah
- Debreheah
- Judgespore
- Bhanpore
- Domereagunge
- Toolsepore
In October 1862, Sergeant-Major William Napier VC, was in transit to Calcutta, and on 8 December 1862, he was discharged.
Read more about this topic: William Napier (VC)
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