John Grant Malcolmson VC: Hero of the Persian War

The soldier

John Grant Malcolmson was born in Scotland in 1835. He joined the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry on 28 August 1855, at the age of 20, and went on to serve in a number of different campaigns in India.

He took part in the Siege of Ratghur and the fall of Kalpi during the Indian Rebellion (1857-59). But it was for his actions on campaign in Persia (now Iran) that he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).

Persian War

In the mid-19th century, Britain grew increasingly anxious about Russia's influence in Afghanistan, a strategically important state bordering British India. These tensions escalated when the Persians - whom the British believed to be sympathetic to Russian interests - began to show signs of interference in Afghan affairs.

In October 1856, Persia attacked the Afghan city of Herat. Britain declared war, despatching an expeditionary force from the Bombay Presidency, which included Malcolmson's regiment.

Battle of Khoosh-ab

Malcolmson was involved in the capture of the Persian port of Bushire (now Bushehr) in December 1856. But it was at Khoosh-ab, the largest battle of the war, that he demonstrated the greatest bravery.

On 8 February 1857, the 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry was faced by a square of well-trained infantry. The cavalry charged, led by Lieutenant Moore who spurred on his horse to crash through the bayonets. The Persian infantry square was broken - an impressive and rare feat in itself - but Moore was thrown from his horse and surrounded by the enemy.

Lieutenant Malcolmson gallantly fought his way to his fallen comrade, offered Moore his stirrup, and carried him away to safety.

For his cool determination and instinctive actions, Malcolmson was awarded the VC. He was presented with his cross by Queen Victoria on 9 November 1860 at Home Park, Windsor Castle. His was one of only three VCs awarded during the Persian War.

For valour

The VC is the highest and most distinguished award a British soldier can receive. It requires an extreme act of bravery in the presence of the enemy. The cross has achieved almost mythical status and its recipients are revered as heroes.

Each cross is accompanied by a unique tale of gallantry and daring. They are some of the rarest and most sought-after objects relating to the British Army. The National Army Museum holds 39 of them, each impressive and inspiring.

Once in a lifetime

Given how rare and collectable these medals are, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the curators involved in acquiring this example. It's usually only by the extreme generosity of an individual that a VC enters a publicly held collection.

Malcolmson’s VC was gifted to the National Army Museum by one of his descendants. It came as part of a group of medals which also included: an India General Service Medal 1854-95, with a clasp for 'Persia’; an Indian Mutiny Medal, with a clasp for 'Central India'; a Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal 1897; and a King Edward VII Coronation Medal 1902.

But the extent of the donation went even further. Gifted alongside the impressive VC medal group were: a full-length oil painting of Malcolmson by Louis William Desanges; the uniform he is wearing in the painting; his swords and pistols; and various other personal items, such as his smoking case.