Herbert Stephen Henderson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Herbert Stephen Henderson
Born	30 March 1870 Glasgow, Scotland
Died	10 August 1942 Bulawayo, Rhodesia
Buried	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 (born March 30, 1870 – died August 10, 1942) was a brave soldier from Scotland. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries. Herbert was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and went to school there.

A Heroic Rescue

In 1896, when Herbert Henderson was 26, he was a soldier called a Trooper. He served in the Rhodesia Horse unit during the Matabeleland Rebellion. This was a conflict in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe.

On March 30, 1896, Trooper Henderson was part of a group near Campbell's Store, close to Bulawayo. His group was trying to help another patrol that was in trouble. Suddenly, rebels attacked them.

Trooper Henderson and another soldier were separated from their main group. The other soldier was shot in the knee, and his horse was killed. Without hesitation, Trooper Henderson helped the wounded man onto his own horse.

Then, Trooper Henderson began walking beside the horse. He guided them both for 35 miles all the way back to Bulawayo. They mostly traveled at night because the area was full of rebels. For two days and one night, they had no food. His incredible bravery saved the other soldier's life.

The Victoria Cross

For his amazing courage and determination, Herbert Stephen Henderson was given the Victoria Cross. This medal is awarded for extreme bravery in the face of the enemy. It is the highest honor a soldier can receive in the British and Commonwealth forces.

Today, Herbert Henderson's Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, London.