Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 28 May 1835 Coleorton, Leicestershire |
| Died | 17 September 1857 (aged 22) Delhi, British India |
| Buried |
Old Delhi Military Cemetery
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army |
| Rank | Ensign |
| Unit | 11th Bengal Native Infantry 60th Rifles |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps was a very brave English soldier. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery. It is given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth forces. He received it for his amazing courage during the Indian Mutiny in 1857.
A Hero in India
Joining the Army
Everard Phillipps went to St Edmund's College, Ware when he was younger. In 1854, he sailed to India. He joined the 11th Bengal Native Infantry. This was a part of the British army in India.
Facing Danger
In 1857, the Indian Mutiny began. This was a big rebellion against British rule. Phillipps' regiment was one of the first to rebel. The Queen sent a message to the rebels. It was a proclamation against them. Everard Phillipps could speak the local language. So, he had to read the message aloud.
He rode forward bravely. Bullets flew all around him. He started to read the proclamation. But before he finished the first sentence, his horse was shot. He fell to the ground. He was also wounded by a bullet. But he did not give up. He quickly stood up. He read the entire proclamation from start to finish. Only then did he find cover.
More Brave Actions
After his regiment rebelled, Phillipps joined the 60th Rifles. He continued to perform many brave acts. He was wounded three times in the months before he died.
During the Siege of Delhi, he showed great courage again. He captured a place called the Water Bastion. He did this with only a small group of soldiers. Sadly, he was killed in the streets of Delhi. This happened on 17 September 1857. His death was officially recorded the next day.
The Victoria Cross
Ensign Phillipps was awarded the Victoria Cross. This happened fifty years after his death. The award recognized his amazing bravery. The official statement said he would have been recommended for the VC if he had lived. It mentioned his many brave deeds during the Siege of Delhi. It also noted that he was wounded three times. It highlighted his capture of the Water Bastion. Finally, it stated that he was killed on 18 September.
Today, his Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery. This gallery is part of the Imperial War Museum in London.
