John Smith (February 1814 – 26 June 1864) 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. Born in Derbyshire in the United Kingdom, Smith enlisted in the army of the East India Company at the age of 23. Posted to India in 1839, Smith served through various campaigns, earning the Victoria Cross in 1857 at the Siege of Delhi. Smith died from dysentery in 1864. Life and career Smith was born in Ashby Road, Ticknall, Derbyshire, in February 1814. After working as a cordwainer like his father and uncle, Smith enlisted with the private army of the East India Company in London on 3 October 1837. Following his training at the East India Company's depot in Chatham, Smith embarked for India. Arriving on 2 August 1839 Smith was posted to the Bengal Sappers and Miners, subsequently arriving at the headquarters in Delhi then joining the 3rd Company of the Bengal Sappers and Miners. Smith was promoted to Sergeant in 1840. Smith, then with the 5th Company of the Bengal Sappers and Miners in November 1841, served in a force under Brigadier Wild, taking part in the advance on Ali Masjid in the Khyber Pass. Smith then served throughout the 1842 campaign in Afghanistan, taking part in the successful storming of the Khyber Pass; the occupation of Jelalabad and the occupation of Kabul. Smith later rejoined the Headquarters of the Bengal Sappers and Miners at Delhi, and was shortly afterwards transferred to 7th Company, with whom he served in the later part of the Sutlej campaign. Smith was present at the battle of Sobraon and was awarded a medal for this. Posted to the 3rd Company, Smith served through the Punjab campaign in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, being present at the siege and capture of Multan and battle of Gujerat. For this service Smith was awarded the Punjab Medal with two clasps. Smith was posted in 1851 to work with the Superintending Engineer of the Punjab, in the Department of Public Works, as an Acting Assistant Overseer attached to the Mian Mir Division, eventually becoming an Assistant Overseer in 1854. Smith was ordered to return to his regiment in 1856, and due to an error in the carrying out of this order Smith was mistakenly posted, at a