Richard Wadeson

Colonel Richard Wadeson VC (31 July 1826 – 24 January 1885) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Richard Wadeson

VC
Colonel Richard Wadeson, VC
Born(1826-07-31)31 July 1826
Lancaster, Lancashire
Died24 January 1885(1885-01-24) (aged 58)
Royal Hospital, Chelsea
Buried
Brompton Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankColonel
Unit75th Regiment of Foot
Battles/warsIndian Mutiny
AwardsVictoria Cross
Plaque to Colonel Wadeson in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea

Early life

Wadeson was born at Bay Horse, near Lancaster, Lancashire, England on 31 July 1826. The son of a blacksmith, he became a tallow chandler’s apprentice before enlisting in the 75th Regiment of Foot (later the Gordon Highlanders) in November 1843, aged 17. After promotions to corporal and sergeant, the regiment travelled to India in 1849, where Wadeson was appointed the regiment's sergeant major in February 1854.[1]

Wadeson was commissioned ensign in the 75th regiment in June 1857 and lieutenant in September 1857. Meanwhile, the Indian Mutiny had broken out, and the 75th were ordered to Delhi, then held by mutineers,[1] they participating in the Battle of Badli-ki-Serai on 8 June as they advanced.[2]

Victoria Cross

Wadeson was 30 years old, and a lieutenant in the 75th Regiment, British Army, during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 18 July 1857 at Siege of Delhi, for which he was awarded the VC:

For conspicuous bravery at Delhi on the 18th of July, 1857, when the Regiment was engaged in the Subjee Mundee, in having saved the life of Private Michael Farrell, when attached (sic) by a Sowar of the enemy's Cavalry, and killing the Sowar. Also, on the same day, for rescuing Private John Barry, of the same Regiment, when, wounded and helpless, he was attacked by a Cavalry Sowar, whom Lieutenant Wadeson killed.[3]

Later career

After the mutiny campaign, Wadeson served as adjutant of the 75th Regiment until December 1864 when – still with the regiment – he was promoted to captain in December 1864 and major in July 1872.[1] In December 1875 he was made a lieutenant-colonel[4] and appointed to the command of the 75th, becoming only the third regimental commander in the British Army to start his military career in the ranks.[5] After promotion to brevet colonel in December 1880, he became Lieutenant Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in March 1881, where he died in office on 24 January 1885 aged 58.[1] He was buried with military honours at Brompton Cemetery, attended by many Chelsea Pensioners.[2] There is a commemorative plaque to him at the Royal Hospital.

After the death of his first wife, Wadeson married Susan Lear in April 1857. They had two daughters, and a son[1] who served in the 37th Lancers, Indian Army.[6]

Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen, Scotland.[7]

References
  1. Holden, Robert; Jones, M. G. M. (2004). "Wadeson, Richard". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  2. "The Late Colonel Wadeson, V.C.". The Illustrated London News. 14 February 1885. p. 178.
  3. "No. 22212". The London Gazette. 24 December 1858. p. 5518.
  4. "No. 24281". The London Gazette. 4 January 1876. p. 3.
  5. "Risen from the ranks". Cavan Weekly News. 14 January 1876.
  6. "Local news". Wells Journal. 26 January 1905. p. 8.
  7. "Known Graves of Holders of the Victoria Cross in Brompton Cemetery, S.W. London. Archived copy". www.victoriacross.org. Archived from the original on 28 October 2004. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
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