Henry Tombs - Military Career

Military Career

Henry Tombs received his first commission as second lieutenant in the Bengal Horse Artillery on the 11th June 1841 and first saw active service aged 18 during the Gwalior Campaign. He first distinguished himself whilst fighting at the Battle of Punniar with the No.16 Light Field Battery (horsedrawn) and was awarded the Bronze Star in 1843.

During the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846) Henry Tombs became Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant General Sir Harry Smith and was present at the Battle of Moodkee, the Battle of Ferozeshah and the Battle of Aliwal. He was awarded a Sutlej Medal with two clasps (for Ferozeshuhur and Aliwal) in 1848.

During the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849) Henry Tombs was promoted to Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General of Artillery and was present at Battle of Ramnagar, the Battle of Chillianwallah and the Battle of Goojerat. He received the Punjab Medal with two clasps (for Chillianwallah and Goojerat) and a was subsequently promoted Major.

Henry Tombs' saw service for a fourth time during the Indian Mutiny during which he commanded a troop of Horse Artillery. On the 31st of May, 1857 his horse was shot from beneath him for a first time. He fought at the Battle of Budleekeserai where two horses were shot from under him. Tombs was also present at the Siege of Delhi during which he commanded the Bengal Horse Artillery. 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.