Charles Pye (chr: 24 September 1820 – 12 July 1876) was an English 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. Details Pye was approximately 37 years old, and a sergeant-major in the 53rd Regiment of Foot (later The King's Shropshire Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 17 November 1857 at Lucknow, India for which he was awarded the VC: Charles Pye is not to be confused with Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Colquhoun Pye (11 Nov 1834 – 17 Feb 1872), son of Henry John Pye and Mary Anne Walker of Clifton Campville, Staffordshire. Charles Colquhoun Pye was not the recipient of the Victoria Cross. Early life Charles Pye was the eldest child of Thomas Pye and Alice Hall. Born in 1820 his birth date is unknown. His baptism occurred on 24 September 1820 at St Mary's church, Castle Church, Staffordshire. Charles was probably a few months old when he was baptised. His death certificate and obituary state he was 56 years old when he died, which suggests he was born prior to July 1820. Charles's brothers, Timothy (b 1822) and Philip (b 1824), where born at Rickercote where their father, Thomas Pye, was a labourer. His sister Harriet (b 1826) and brother Peter (b 1830) were born in Birmingham, where Thomas was a brickmaker. Following the death of their mother, Thomas took his children back to the family home at Rickerscote to be raised by his brother, George Pye and sister Mary Pye. George Pye was later quoted in a newspaper saying that Charles was "educated at Stafford" and indeed his later correspondence was well written. With the conviction and transportation of their father in 1836 the children were virtually orphaned. Where Charles worked after the completion of his schooling is unknown, however, by 1840 he enlisted at Coventry, Warwickshire, from there being sent for service to India with the 40th Regiment. Pye was promoted to Corporal and transferred into the 53rd Foot in 1858. He became adjutant in 1859 and was promoted without purchase to lieutenant on 9 April 1860. On 14 April 1860 the 53rd Regiment, including Charles's wife, Mary Ann and her children, Catherine and Matthew Farrell, returned to England on the Lady Clarendon. In 1862 Charles Pye took