Victoria Cross (VC) Medal awarded to Troop Sergeant Major David Spence

The Victoria Cross is Britain’s highest award for bravery “in the face of the enemy”. It can be awarded to any soldier or civilian under military command. Introduced in 1856, many people believe that every medal is made from the metal of the guns captured from the Russians at the siege of Sevastopol, during the Crimea War (1854-1856). While this is true today, medals before 1914 and some during World War 2 were made from other metal.

This Victoria Cross is one of fifteen awarded to the 9th Lancers during the regiment's history, and is one of two that the Regimental Museum of the 9th/12th Lancers owns directly. Three others are on loan to the museum. They are often considered the most prized items of any military collection.

David Spence joined the 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers (now the 9th/12th Royal Lancers) in 1842. He fought in various campaigns in India including what is called the Indian Mutiny of 1857-1858.

He was awarded the VC for his actions on 17 January 1858, at Shunsabad (Northern India) where he fought single-handedly to go to the defence of Private Kidd who was severely wounded.  He succeeded in bringing Kidd back to safety.

In 1862 he became a Yeoman of the Guard, a special kind of bodyguard to the Queen, not to be confused with Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) who protect the Tower of London. He died on 17 April 1877.

The medal was acquired by the museum in 1982 with aid from the V & A Purchase Fund and from the Westminster Trust.

Currently to be found in the Military Gallery at Derby Museum and Art Gallery (closed from 1 June 2007 until further notice).

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