Name Aylmer Cameron | ||
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Unit 72nd HighlandersKing's Own Scottish Borderers | ||
Colonel Aylmer Spicer Cameron, VC CB (12 August 1833 – 10 June 1909), born in Perth, was a Scottish 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.
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Details
Cameron was 24 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, 72nd Highlanders, British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 30 March 1858 at Kotah, India for which he was awarded the VC:
For conspicuous bravery on the 30th of March, 1858, at Kotah, in having headed a small party of men, and attacked a body of armed fanatic rebels, strongly posted in a loop-holed house, with one narrow entrance. Lieutenant Cameron stormed the house, and killed three rebels in single combat. He was severely wounded, having lost half of one hand by a stroke from a tulwar.
Further information
He later achieved the rank of colonel and was Commandant of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from 1886 to 1888.
His son, Cecil Aylmer Cameron, was also a distinguished Army officer.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of Queens Own Highlanders in Fort George, Highland, Scotland.