Herbert Stephen Henderson
| Herbert Stephen Henderson | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born | 30 March 1870 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 10 August 1942 Bulawayo, Rhodesia |
| Buried at | Bulawayo Town Cemetery |
| Allegiance | Rhodesia |
| Service/branch | South African Forces |
| Years of service | 1896 - 1897 |
| Rank | Trooper |
| Unit | Rhodesia Horse |
| Battles/wars | Matabeleland Rebellion |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Herbert Stephen Henderson VC (30 March 1870 – 10 August 1942) 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.
[edit] Details
Henderson was 26 years old, and a trooper in the Rhodesia Horse, South African Forces during the Matabeleland Rebellion, Rhodesia whilst he was serving in the Bulawayo Field Force when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 30 March 1896 at Campbell's Store, near Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), a patrol which had been sent to the rescue of another beleaguered patrol, was surprised by rebels and Trooper Henderson and another trooper were cut off from the main party. The second trooper was shot through the knee and his horse killed, so Trooper Henderson put the wounded man on his own horse, and, walking beside it, made his way to Bulawayo, 35 miles away.They had to move principally by night, as the country was full of marauding rebels and they had no food for two days and one night.
He was involved in the mining industry. He was prevented from serving in World War I as he was working in a reserved occupation. His VC is on display at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London.
[edit] References
- Account of the action
- Profile
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
