NAM.2016-12-14-1

Victoria Cross, 1857. From medal group of Capt John Grant Malcolmson, VC (1835-1902), 3rd Regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry. Associated with the Battle of Koosh-ab, Persian War (1856-1857), 1857 London Gazette, 3 Aug 1860: ‘Arthur Thomas Moore, Lieut. And Adjutant, and John Grant Malcolmson, Lieut., 3rd Bombay Native Cavalry. Date of Acts of Bravery: 8 Feb 1857. On the occasion of an attack on the enemy on the 8th Feb. 1857, led by Lt Col Forbes, Lt Moore, the Adjutant of the regiment, was perhaps the first of all by a horse’s length. His horse leaped into the square and instantly fell dead, crushing down his rider and breaking his sword as he fell amid the broken ranks of the enemy. Lt Moore speedily extricated himself, and attempted with his broken sword to force his way through the press; but would assuredly have lost his life had not the gallant young Lt Malcolmson, observing his peril, fought his way to his dismounted comrade through a crowd of enemies, to his rescue, and giving him his stirrup, safely carried him through everything out of the throng. The thoughtfulness for others, cool determination and ready activity shown in extreme danger by this young officer, Lt Malcolmson, appear to have been most admirable, and to be worthy of the highest honour.’ Lt Malcolmson became a Gentleman-At-Arms in 1870, and died suddenly on 14 August 1902. He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery

Koosh-ab, Battle of, 1858 (Persian War 1856-1857)