Private John Pearson (8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars) Date of Act of Bravery, 17th of June, 1858.
London Gazette citation: Selected for the Victoria Cross by their companions in the gallant charge made by a squadron of the Regiment at Gwalior, on the 17th of June, 1858, when, supported by a division of the Bombay Horse Artillery, and Her Majesty’s 95th Regiment, they routed the enemy, who were advancing against Brigadier Smith’s position, charged through the rebel camp into two batteries, capturing and bringing into their camp two of the enemy’s guns, under heavy and converging fire from the Fort and Town
The 8th Hussars are depicted as wearing their dress uniforms with white caps and neck protectors. M A Hayes has opted to show the regiment like this despite the fact that the battle was fought in the Indian midsummer. Most other artists put the men in their stable dress jacket which was waist-length and somewhat cooler. It is hard to imagine how hot the men must have been, fighting in uniforms made of thick material but at least it would have given them some protection against bayonet thrusts and sword cuts.
