Allegiance Colony of Natal Years of service 1899 - 1902 | Rank Major Name Charles Mullins | |
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Died 24 May 1916 (aged 46)
Johannesburg, South Africa Buried at Grahamstown Old Cemetery Unit Imperial Light Horse (Natal) | ||
Major Charles Herbert Mullins VC CMG (28 June 1869 – 24 May 1916) was a South African 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.
Details
Mullins was 30 years old, and a captain in the Imperial Light Horse (Natal) during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place at the Battle of Elandslaagte for which he and Captain Robert Johnston were awarded the VC.
On the 21st October, 1899, at Elandslaagte, at a most critical moment, the advance being momentarily checked by a very severe fire at point blank range, these two Officers very gallantly rushed forward under this heavy fire and rallied the men, thus enabling the flanking movement, which decided the day, to be carried out.
On this occasion Captain Mullins was wounded.
Mullins returned to the United Kingdom and received the VC from King Edward during an investiture at Marlborough House 25 July 1901.
He later achieved the rank of major.
The medal was held by St. Andrew's College, Grahamstown, South Africa. It was later returned to the family and is now on loan to the Imperial War Museum, London.
Clarles was the son of the Revd Canon Robert John Mullins, and brother to Robert George Mullins, the founder of St. Andrew's Preparatory School in Grahamstown.