Harry Lyster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Lyster
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| Born | 24 December 1830 Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 1 February 1922 (aged 91) London, England |
| Buried |
St James the Less Churchyard, Stubbing
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army British Indian Army |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny Second Anglo-Afghan War
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| Awards | Victoria Cross Companion of the Order of the Bath Mentioned in Despatches five times |
| Relations | Hamilton Lyster Reed VC (nephew) |
Lieutenant General Harry Hammon Lyster was a brave Irish soldier. He was born on December 24, 1830, and lived until February 1, 1922. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest and most important award for courage given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth forces. It is given for incredible bravery when facing the enemy.
Contents
A Soldier's Courageous Acts
Harry Lyster was a lieutenant in the 72nd Bengal Native Infantry, part of the Bengal Army. This was during a time known as the Indian Mutiny. He was 27 years old when he performed an act of great bravery.
Earning the Victoria Cross
On May 23, 1858, Lieutenant Lyster showed amazing courage. He bravely charged alone into a group of rebel soldiers who were retreating. He fought them and managed to kill two or three of them by himself. This incredible act of bravery was seen by his commanding officer, Major-General Sir Hugh Henry Rose. Because of this, Harry Lyster was awarded the Victoria Cross.
He also showed bravery on January 31, 1858, at a place called Barodia. While working as an interpreter for General Rose, Lyster was wounded in a fight. He received a deep cut on his right arm but still managed to defeat his opponent.
His Military Journey
Harry Lyster joined the British East India Company's army on September 20, 1848. He steadily rose through the ranks. He became a Major in 1864 and a Colonel in 1877.
He was in charge of the 3rd Goorkha Regiment during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. He was specially mentioned for his actions at the Battle of Ahmed Khel. He also received another honor, becoming a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1881.
He continued to serve with distinction, eventually becoming a Lieutenant General in 1891. He retired from the army in 1892.
His Legacy
Harry Hammon Lyster's Victoria Cross is a very important medal. You can see it on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery. This gallery is located inside the Imperial War Museum in London.
Family Life
Harry Lyster was married twice. First, he married Caroline Matilda Davis in 1865. After she passed away in 1895, he married Ada Emily Cole in 1901. He died in London in 1922 at the age of 91.
He was the son of Anthony Lyster and Marcia Tate. His family had roots in County Dublin and County Kildare, Ireland.
