Ross Lowis Mangles
Encyclopedia
Ross Lowis Mangles VC
(14 April 1833 – 28 February 1905) 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. Mangles is one of only five civilians to be awarded the VC.
in the Bengal Civil Service during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place at Arrah
for which he was awarded the VC:
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum
, Chelsea
, England.
On the north wall of St Michael and All Angels Church, Pirbright
is a brass memorial to Mangles. The oaks on the plaque represent England, his native land; the palms are for India, scene of his life’s work and, after his retirement, his passion for growing roses is also commemorated.
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....
(14 April 1833 – 28 February 1905) was a recipient of the 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....
, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
forces. Mangles is one of only five civilians to be awarded the VC.
Details
Mangles was 24 years old, and a civilianCivilian
A civilian under international humanitarian law is a person who is not a member of his or her country's armed forces or other militia. Civilians are distinct from combatants. They are afforded a degree of legal protection from the effects of war and military occupation...
in the Bengal Civil Service during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place at Arrah
Arrah
Arrah is a city and a municipal corporation in Bhojpur district in the state of Bihar, India. The actual name of Arrah is Ara but it was misspelt by the British and now corrected to Ara but still known as Arrah in many records. It is the district headquarters of Bhojpur district, located near the...
for which he was awarded the VC:
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum
National Army Museum
The 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,...
, Chelsea
Chelsea, London
Chelsea is an area of West London, England, bounded to the south by the River Thames, where its frontage runs from Chelsea Bridge along the Chelsea Embankment, Cheyne Walk, Lots Road and Chelsea Harbour. Its eastern boundary was once defined by the River Westbourne, which is now in a pipe above...
, England.
On the north wall of St Michael and All Angels Church, Pirbright
Pirbright
Pirbright is a village in Surrey, England. Neighbouring villages include Worplesdon, Deepcut, Brookwood and Normandy. Pirbright parish has an area of some falling into two distinct communities with the military area to the north of the railway and the village to the south...
is a brass memorial to Mangles. The oaks on the plaque represent England, his native land; the palms are for India, scene of his life’s work and, after his retirement, his passion for growing roses is also commemorated.
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Brookwood Cemetery)
- The Brookwood Cemetery Society (Known holders of the Victoria Cross commemorated in Brookwood Cemetery)
- Ross L. Mangles VC
- Welcome to St Michael and All Angels Church, Pirbright