Louis William Desanges
Encyclopedia
Louis William Desanges a naturalized French
artist
known today for his paintings of Victoria Cross
winners. Born in Bexley, he was the great grandson of a French nobleman who had settled in England 80 years before, and as a consequence the artist used the title 'Chevalier. He traveled in France and Italy before settling in London in 1845; he later traveled to India. At first his pictures were of an historical nature but he turned more to portrait painting as it was more lucrative.
While painting a portrait of Lieut. Col. Robert James Lindsay who had won the Victoria Cross
at the Battle of the Alma at his home in Wantage
, the two men came up with idea of creating a series of paintings containing portraits of the various soldiers winning their V.C. medals. Many of these were exhibited at the Egyptian Gallery in Piccadilly, and in 1900, the majority of them were acquired by Lord Wantage in 1900 and hung in the Victoria Cross Gallery. The paintings were dispersed many years later. In all, fifty oil paintings were painted by the artist between 1859 and 1862. The gallery was broken up in the 20th century and the paintings dispersed to various collections, particularly to the regiments represented. Desanges also painted several other military scenes including a depiction of General Sir Garnet Wolseley during the Ashanti War entitled Fighting in the Ashantee Forest. This had been commissioned by the proprietors of the Illustrated London News
and exhibited at Willis's Rooms in London in 1874, and was reproduced as a special supplement wood-engraving in the Illustrated London News
on August 1, 1874. The artist composed his picture using sketches provided by Melton Prior
, and various officers sat for him. Another military painting by Desanges depicted the March of General Roberts from Cabul to Candahar which was exhibited at the Jennings Gallery, Cheapside, in the spring of 1883. The picture was literally crammed with portraits of many of the participants.
Desanges also exhibited works at the Royal Academy
between 1846 and 1887, many of which were portraits, but in 1862, he showed a large battle scene of Battle of Inkermann (now destroyed).
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
artist
Artist
An artist is a person engaged in one or more of any of a broad spectrum of activities related to creating art, practicing the arts and/or demonstrating an art. The common usage in both everyday speech and academic discourse is a practitioner in the visual arts only...
known today for his paintings of Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
winners. Born in Bexley, he was the great grandson of a French nobleman who had settled in England 80 years before, and as a consequence the artist used the title 'Chevalier. He traveled in France and Italy before settling in London in 1845; he later traveled to India. At first his pictures were of an historical nature but he turned more to portrait painting as it was more lucrative.
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
at the Battle of the Alma at his home in Wantage
Wantage
Wantage is a market town and civil parish in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire, England. The town is on Letcombe Brook, about south-west of Abingdon and a similar distance west of Didcot....
, the two men came up with idea of creating a series of paintings containing portraits of the various soldiers winning their V.C. medals. Many of these were exhibited at the Egyptian Gallery in Piccadilly, and in 1900, the majority of them were acquired by Lord Wantage in 1900 and hung in the Victoria Cross Gallery. The paintings were dispersed many years later. In all, fifty oil paintings were painted by the artist between 1859 and 1862. The gallery was broken up in the 20th century and the paintings dispersed to various collections, particularly to the regiments represented. Desanges also painted several other military scenes including a depiction of General Sir Garnet Wolseley during the Ashanti War entitled Fighting in the Ashantee Forest. This had been commissioned by the proprietors of the Illustrated London News
Illustrated London News
The Illustrated London News was the world's first illustrated weekly newspaper; the first issue appeared on Saturday 14 May 1842. It was published weekly until 1971 and then increasingly less frequently until publication ceased in 2003.-History:...
and exhibited at Willis's Rooms in London in 1874, and was reproduced as a special supplement wood-engraving in the Illustrated London News
Illustrated London News
The Illustrated London News was the world's first illustrated weekly newspaper; the first issue appeared on Saturday 14 May 1842. It was published weekly until 1971 and then increasingly less frequently until publication ceased in 2003.-History:...
on August 1, 1874. The artist composed his picture using sketches provided by Melton Prior
Melton Prior
Melton Prior , was an English artist and war correspondent for the Illustrated London News from the early 1870′s until 1904. Prior was one of the leading illustrators of late Victorian Britain, noted for his ability to quickly sketch scenes...
, and various officers sat for him. Another military painting by Desanges depicted the March of General Roberts from Cabul to Candahar which was exhibited at the Jennings Gallery, Cheapside, in the spring of 1883. The picture was literally crammed with portraits of many of the participants.
Desanges also exhibited works at the Royal Academy
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
between 1846 and 1887, many of which were portraits, but in 1862, he showed a large battle scene of Battle of Inkermann (now destroyed).
Crimean War
- Captain Robert James Lindsay, Scots Fusiliers Guards, winning the VC at the Alma, 20 September 1854 (WantageWantageWantage is a market town and civil parish in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire, England. The town is on Letcombe Brook, about south-west of Abingdon and a similar distance west of Didcot....
Civic Hall) - Lieut.-Col. E.W.D. BellEdward William Derrington BellMajor General Edward William Derrington Bell VC CB 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....
, 23rd Regiment, at the Battle of the Alma, 20 September 1854 (Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum, Caernarvon Castle) - Sergeant Luke O'ConnorLuke O'ConnorMajor General Sir Luke O'Connor VC, KCB was a British soldier. He was the first soldier to receive the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, and was one of the most decorated servicemen ever to have served in the British Army.He was...
, 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, although shot in the breast, bravely carries forward one of the Colours at the Alma, 20 September 1854 (Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum, Caernarvon Castle) - Private Samuel ParkesSamuel Parkes (VC)Samuel Parkes VC 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...
, 4th Light Dragoons, winning the V.C. at Balaclava, 25 October 1954 (Queen's Royal Hussars) - Commander W.N. HewettWilliam Nathan Wrighte HewettVice Admiral Sir William Nathan Wrighte Hewett VC, KCB, KCSI 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.-Life:Hewett was born at Brighton to Dr. William Hewett,...
, R.N., repelling a sortie of Russians from Sebastopol, 26 October 1854 (location unknown) - Major G.L. GoodlakeGerald GoodlakeLieutenant General Gerald Littlehales Goodlake VC 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....
, Coldstream Guards, defending the Windmill Ravine before Sebastopol, 26 October 1854 (Coldstream GuardsColdstream GuardsHer Majesty's Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards, also known officially as the Coldstream Guards , is a regiment of the British Army, part of the Guards Division or Household Division....
?) - Surgeon James MouatJames MouatSurgeon General James Mouat VC KCB 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:...
assisted by Sergeant-Major Wooden, 26 October 1854 Queen's Royal Lancers - Private Anthony PalmerAnthony PalmerAnthony Palmer VC 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....
, Grenadier Guards, charging singly upon the enemy at Inkermann, 5 November 1854 (Grenadier GuardsGrenadier GuardsThe Grenadier Guards is an infantry regiment of the British Army. It is the most senior regiment of the Guards Division and, as such, is the most senior regiment of infantry. It is not, however, the most senior regiment of the Army, this position being attributed to the Life Guards...
) - Sergeant-Major Andrew Henry, Royal Artillery, winning the V.C. at Inkermann, 5 November 1854 (Royal ArtilleryRoyal ArtilleryThe Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery , is the artillery arm of the British Army. Despite its name, it comprises a number of regiments.-History:...
Institution?) - Private John M'Dermond, 47th Regiment, winning the V.C. at Inkermann, 5 November 1854 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
) - Lieut.-Col. Sir Charles RussellLord Charles RussellLord Charles James Fox Russell , was a British soldier and Whig politician.-Background:Russell was the third son of John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford, by his second wife Lady Georgiana, daughter of Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon...
, at the Battle of Inkermann, 5 November 1854 (Grenadier GuardsGrenadier GuardsThe Grenadier Guards is an infantry regiment of the British Army. It is the most senior regiment of the Guards Division and, as such, is the most senior regiment of infantry. It is not, however, the most senior regiment of the Army, this position being attributed to the Life Guards...
, Horse Guards, Whitehall) - Colour-Sergeant Henry MacDonaldHenry MacDonaldHenry MacDonald VC was a Scottish 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:...
, Royal Engineers, winning the V.C. at Sebastopol, 19 April 1855 (Royal Engineers Museum, Library & Archive, Chatham) - Lieuts Hugh Talbot BurgoyneHugh Talbot BurgoyneCaptain Hugh Talbot Burgoyne VC RN was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross. Born in Dublin, he was the son of John Fox Burgoyne and the grandson of John Burgoyne....
, R.N., and Cecil William BuckleyCecil William BuckleyCaptain Cecil William Buckley VC RN 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....
, R.N., winning the V.C. at Genitchi, 29 May 1855 (Watage Town Council Offices) - Lieut. William Hope, 7th Fusiliers, winning the V.C. at Sebastopol, 18 June 1855 (Royal Fusiliers Museum, Tower of LondonTower of LondonHer Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
) - Lieut. Howard Craufurd ElphinstoneHoward Craufurd ElphinstoneMajor-General Sir Howard Craufurd Elphinstone VC KCB CMG 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 career and the Crimean War:Born in Livonia Elphinstone joined...
, Royal Engineers, winning the V.C. at Sebastopol, 18 June 1855 (Royal Engineers Museum, Library & Archive, Chatham) - Private John SimsJohn Joseph SimsJohn Joseph Sims VC 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:...
, 34th Regiment, winning the V.C. at Sebastopol, 18 June 1854 (Border RegimentBorder RegimentThe Border Regiment was an infantry regiment of the line in the British Army, formed in 1881 by the amalgamation of the 34th Regiment of Foot and the 55th Regiment of Foot....
Museum?) - Sergeant Alfred Ablett, 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards winning the V.C., 2 September 1855 (Grenadier GuardsGrenadier GuardsThe Grenadier Guards is an infantry regiment of the British Army. It is the most senior regiment of the Guards Division and, as such, is the most senior regiment of infantry. It is not, however, the most senior regiment of the Army, this position being attributed to the Life Guards...
) - Corporal Robert ShieldsRobert ShieldsRobert Shields VC was a Welsh 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...
, 23rd Regiment, seeking his wounded Adjutant, Lieut. Dyneley at Sebastopol, 8 September 1855 (Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum, Caernarvon Castle) - Commander George Fiott DayGeorge Fiott DayCaptain George Fiott Day VC CB was one of the earliest English recipients 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. He was also a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.George Fiott Day...
, R.N. winning the V.C. at Genitchi, 17 and 21 September 1855 (National Maritime MuseumNational Maritime MuseumThe National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England is the leading maritime museum of the United Kingdom and may be the largest museum of its kind in the world. The historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, it also incorporates the Royal Observatory, Greenwich,...
?) - Major Christopher Charles TeesdaleChristopher Charles TeesdaleMajor-General Sir Christopher Charles Teesdale, VC, KCMG, CB was the first South African-born 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.He was born in Grahamstown, Cape of...
, winning the V.C. at Kars (destroyed)
Indian Mutiny
- Lieut. William George CubittWilliam George CubittColonel William George Cubitt VC DSO 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....
, 13th Bengal Native Infantry, winning the V.C. at Chinhut, Lucknow, 30 June 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
, currently at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst - Major Henry TombsHenry TombsMajor General Sir Henry Tombs VC KCB 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.-Details:...
, Bengal Artillery, rescuing his subaltern Lieut. J. Hills from the hands of the Rebels at Lucknow, 9 July 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
) - Lieut. William Alexander KerrWilliam Alexander KerrCaptain William Alexander Kerr VC was a Scottish 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:...
, 24th Bombay Native Infantry, winning the V.C. near Kolapore, July 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
currently at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst) - Ross Lowis ManglesRoss Lowis ManglesRoss Lowis Mangles VC 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...
, Bengal Civil Service carried, though wounded and still under a murdering fire, a wounded soldier of the 37th Regiment near Arrah, 30 July 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
, currently at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst) - Mr. William Fraser McDonellWilliam Fraser McDonellWilliam Fraser McDonell VC 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...
, Bengal Civil Service, winning the V.C. near Arrah, 30 July 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
) - Major GoughCharles John Stanley GoughGeneral Sir Charles John Stanley Gough VC, GCB was born in Chittagong, India 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.-Details:At age 16, Gough moved to India,...
, 5th Bengal European Cavalry, saves the life of his brother Captain H. Gough at Khurkowdah near Rhotuck, August 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
, currently at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst) - Lieuts. Duncan Charles HomeDuncan Charles HomeDuncan Charles Home VC 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.-Details:...
, and Philip SalkeldPhilip SalkeldPhilip Salkeld VC 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...
, Bengal Engineers, with Bugler HawthorneRobert HawthorneRobert Hawthorne VC born in Maghera, County Londonderry was an Irish 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....
, 52nd Regiment, winning the V.C. at the Cashmere Gate, Delhi, 14 September 1857 (Royal EngineersRoyal EngineersThe Corps of Royal Engineers, usually just called the Royal Engineers , and commonly known as the Sappers, is one of the corps of the British Army....
, Chatham) - Surgeon J. JeeJoseph JeeJoseph Jee VC CB 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:...
, Assistant-Surgeon Valentine M. McMasterValentine Munbee McMasterSurgeon Valentine Munbee McMaster VC 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.-Details:...
, and Lieut. and Adjutant Herbert Taylor MacPhersonHerbert Taylor MacPhersonMajor-General Sir Herbert Taylor MacPherson VC, GCB, KCSI was a Scottish 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:He was 30 years old, and a lieutenant in the 78th...
, 78th Highlanders, winning the V.C. at Lucknow, 25 September 1857 (Queen's Own Highlanders, Fort GeorgeFort George, HighlandFort George , is a large 18th century fortress near Ardersier, to the north-east of Inverness in the Highland council area of Scotland. It was built to pacify the Scottish Highlands in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745, replacing an earlier Fort George built with the same aim after the...
) - Private Henry Ward, 78th Highlanders, winning the V.C. at Lucknow, 25–26 September 1857 (Queen's Own Highlanders Museum, Fort GeorgeFort George, HighlandFort George , is a large 18th century fortress near Ardersier, to the north-east of Inverness in the Highland council area of Scotland. It was built to pacify the Scottish Highlands in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745, replacing an earlier Fort George built with the same aim after the...
) - Surgeon Anthony Dickson HomeAnthony Dickson HomeSurgeon General Sir Anthony Dickson Home VC KCB was a Scottish 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:Home was 30 years old, and a surgeon in the 90th Foot,...
and Assistant Surgeon W. Bradshaw, 90th Perthshire L.I., winning the V.C. at Lucknow, 25–26 September 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
) - Major Probyn, C.B., 2nd Punjab Cavalry, at the Battle of Agra, 10 October 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
currently at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst) - Thomas Henry KavanaghThomas Henry KavanaghThomas Henry Kavanagh VC was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces...
, Assistant-Commissioner in Oude, winning the V.C., 9 November 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
) - Lieut. John WatsonJohn Watson (VC)General Sir John Watson VC, GCB 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. An officer serving with the Bengal Army, Watson received his Victoria Cross for...
, 1st Punjab Cavalry, winning the V.C. at Lucknow, 14 November 1857 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
) - Lieut. Harry North Dalyrymple PrendergastHarry PrendergastGeneral Sir Harry North Dalrymple Prendergast VC GCB 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....
, Madras Engineers, winning the V.C. at Mundisore, 21 November 1857 (Royal EngineersRoyal EngineersThe Corps of Royal Engineers, usually just called the Royal Engineers , and commonly known as the Sappers, is one of the corps of the British Army....
, Chatham) - Lieut. Frederick Sleigh Roberts, Bengal Artillery, winning the V.C. at Khodagunge, 2 January 1858 (unlocated)
- Lieut. Frederick Robertson Aikman, 4th Bengal Native Infantry, winning the V.C. en route to Lucknow, 1 March 1858 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst) - Lieut. Thomas Adair ButlerThomas Adair ButlerThomas Adair Butler VC 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:...
, 1st Bengal Fusiliers, winning the V.C. at Lucknow, 9 March 1858 (National Army MuseumNational Army MuseumThe National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.00am to 5.30pm,...
) - Lieut. Francis Edward Henry FarquharsonFrancis Edward Henry FarquharsonMajor Francis Edward Henry Farquharson VC was a Scottish 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....
, 42nd Highlanders, wining the V.C. at Lucknow, 9 March 1858 (The Black WatchThe Black WatchThe Black Watch is a 1929 American early epic adventure drama film directed by John Ford and written by James Kevin McGuinness based on the novel King of the Khyber Rifles by Talbot Mundy. The film starred Victor McLaglen...
Museum, Perth) - Lieut. James Leith, 14th King's Light Dragoons, saving Captain Need's life at the Battle of the Betwah, 1 April 1858 (Museum of Lancashire, Stanley Street, Preston)
- Lieut. Henry Evelyn Wood, 1858 (unlocated)
- Private J. R. RobertsJames Reynolds RobertsJames Reynolds Roberts VC 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:...
, 9th Lancers, 1857 (Never completed; now destroyed)
Persian War
- Lieuts. Arthur MooreArthur Thomas MooreArthur Thomas Moore VC CB was born in Carlingford, County Louth and educated at the East India Company College...
and John Grant MalcolmsonJohn Grant MalcolmsonJohn Grant Malcolmson VC MVO was a Scottish 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:...
winning the V.C. at the Battle of Kooshab, 8 February 1857 (destroyed)
China War
- Lieut. Robert Montresor RogersRobert Montresor RogersMajor General Robert Montresor Rogers VC CB was an Irish 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:He was 25 years old, and a lieutenant in the 44th Regiment of...
, 44th Regiment, and Lieut. Edmund H. Lenon, 67th Regiment, winning the V.C. at North Taku Fort, 21 August 1860 (Royal Anglian RegimentRoyal Anglian RegimentThe Royal Anglian Regiment is an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Queen's Division.The regiment was formed on 1 September 1964 as the first of the new large infantry regiments, through the amalgamation of the four regiments of the East Anglian Brigade.* 1st Battalion from the...
)
Gambia
- Private Samuel HodgeSamuel HodgeSamuel Hodge VC was a West Indian 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:...
, 4th West India Regiment, winning the V.C. at Tubabakolong, Gambia, 1866 (St. John's Hall, PenzancePenzancePenzance is a town, civil parish, and port in Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom. It is the most westerly major town in Cornwall and is approximately 75 miles west of Plymouth and 300 miles west-southwest of London...
, Cornwall)
Afghanistan
- March of Major-General Sir F. Roberts from Cabul to Candahar, crossing the Zamburak Kotal, 1880 (Royal Military College of Science, Staff Canteen)
Further reading
- Barthorp, Michael, "The Desanges V.C. Paintings," Soldiers of the Queen No. 67, December 1991, pp. 2–6.
- Catalogue of the series of historical pictures by Chevalier L. W. Desanges i. Wantage: Wantage Town Council, 2000.
- 1859 : Catalogue of the first series of historical pictures by L. W. Desanges, illustrating actions which have won the Victoria Cross. London: Victoria Cross Gallery, 1859.
- Harrington, Peter. (1993). British Artists and War: The Face of Battle in Paintings and Prints, 1700-1914. London: Greenhill ISBN 1853671576
- Hichberger, J.W.M., "Democratizing Glory? The Victoria Cross Paintings of Louis Desanges," Oxford Art Journal, Vol. 7, No. 2, 1984, pp. 42–51.