Samuel Parkes VC

Place/date of birth: Wigginton, Tamworth, Staffordshire/September 1813

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Private

Date of bravery: October 25, 1854

London Gazette citation:

In the charge of the Light Cavalry Brigade at Balaklava, Trumpet-Major Crawford’s horse fell, and dismounted him, and he lost his sword; he was attacked by two Cossacks, when Private Samuel Parkes (whose horse had been shot) saved his life, by placing himself between them and the Trumpet-Major, and drove them away by his sword. In attempting to follow the Light Cavalry Brigade in the retreat, they were attacked by six Russians, whom Parkes kept at bay, and retired slowly, fighting, and defending the Trumpet-Major for some time, until deprived of his sword by a shot.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Stanhope Gate, London/November 15, 1864

Grave/memorials: Brompton Cemetery, London

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2016

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum