Major General Sir Henry Tombs VC KCB (10 November 1824 – 2 August 1874) was a 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. Early life Henry Tombs was born at sea on passage to India on 10 November 1824. He was the youngest of seven to Major-General John Tombs, Bengal cavalry, and Mary Remington. He was sent back to England for an education during which time he studied at John Roysse's Free School in Abingdon-on-Thames (now Abingdon School). At the age of 15 he entered the East India Company's Military Seminary at Addiscombe, graduating in June 1841 and receiving a commission in the Bengal Horse Artillery. In 1869 he married Georgina Janet Stirling, the youngest daughter of Admiral Sir James Stirling. Their grandson Joseph Tombs received the VC for actions during World War I. Military career Tombs received his commission as second lieutenant in the Bengal Horse Artillery on 11 June 1841, and first saw active service aged 19 during the Gwalior campaign. He distinguished himself while fighting at the December 1843 battle of Punniar with the No.16 Light Field Battery (horsedrawn), and was mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Punniar Star. During the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846) Tombs commanded a horse artillery troop at the battles of Moodkee and Ferozeshah, and was Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Sir Harry Smith at the battle of Aliwal. He was awarded a Sutlej Medal with two clasps (for Ferozeshuhur and Aliwal) in 1848. During the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849), he served as Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General of Artillery. He was present at the battles of Ramnagar, Chillianwallah and Goojerat. He received the Punjab Medal with two clasps (for Chillianwallah and Goojerat) and was mentioned in dispatches. In 1854 he was promoted brevet Major for his services in the field. Tombs saw service for a fourth time during the Indian Rebellion of 1857–1858, during which he commanded a troop of Horse Artillery. On 31 May 1857 his horse was shot from beneath him for the first time. He fought at the Battle of Badli-ki-Serai, where two horses were shot from under him. He was also present at the Siege of Delhi, during which he commanded the Bengal Horse Artillery contingent. It was during this siege, on 9 July 1857 that he performed the act