The Victoria Cross is the highest and most
prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can
be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
The Victoria Cross was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856. It
was originally made from the bronze of cannon captured during the
Crimean War.
It consists of a bronze cross, 1.5 inches (38mm) across with
raised edges with the words For Valour on the front. The back of
the clasp is inscribed with the name, rank and regiment (or ship)
of the recipient. The ribbon is crimson but before WW1, naval VC
ribbons were blue. The actual monetary cost of the medal is only
a few pence but in every other way it is priceless and is the
most highly prized decoration of any serviceman. It takes
precedence over all other decorations and distinctions
Date of Act of Bravery: 6th October, 1879.
For conspicuous bravery during the engagement at Charasia on the 6th October, 1879, when, finding that the artillery and rifle fire failed to dislodge the enemy from a fortified hill which it was necessary to capture, Major White led an attack on it in person. Advancing with two companies of his regiment, and climbing from one steep ledge to another, he came upon a body of the enemy strongly posted and outnumbering his force by about eight to one. His men being much exhausted and immediate action being necessary, Major White took a rifle and, going on by himself, shot the leader of the enemy. This act so intimidated the rest that they fled round the side of the hill and the position was won. Again on the 1st September, 1880, at the Battle of Kandahar, Major White, in leading the final charge under heavy fire from the enemy, who held a strong position supported by two guns, rode straight up to within a few yards of them, and seing the guns, dashed forward and secured one of them, immediately after which the enemy retired.