John Christopher Guise

Who was John Christopher Guise?

Lieutenant General John Christopher Guise VC, CB was a British Army officer and 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.

Guise attended Sandhurst and served in the Crimean War albeit briefly as he was forced to return home after falling ill.

During the Indian Mutiny, on 16 and 17 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, whilst a major in the 90th Regiment of Foot, Guise, together with sergeant, saved the life of a captain at the storming of the Secundra Bagh and also went in under heavy fire to help two wounded men. For this he was elected by the regiment to be awarded the VC. His citation reads:

Major John Christopher Guise

Date of Acts of Bravery, 16th and 17th November, 1857

For conspicuous gallantry in action on the 16th and 17th of November, 1857, at Lucknow.

He later achieved the rank of lieutenant general. His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.