Hugh Henry Gough

General Sir Hugh Henry Gough VC, GCB (/ˈɡɒf/; 14 November 1833 – 12 May 1909) was a senior British Indian Army officer and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life

Gough was born into an Anglo-Irish aristocratic family in Calcutta, Bengal, India, on 14 November 1833.

Details

Gough was 23 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st Bengal European Light Cavalry (later 19th Hussars) during the Indian Mutiny, when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the VC:

1st Bengal European Light Cavalry, Lieutenant Hugh Henry Gough

Date of Acts of Bravery, 12th November, 1857, and 25th February, 1858

Lieutenant Gough, when in command of a party of Hodson's Horse, near Alumbagh, on the 12th of November, 1857, particularly distinguished himself by his forward bearing in charging across a swamp, and capturing two guns, although defended by a vastly superior body of the enemy. On this occasion he had his horse wounded in two places, and his turban cut through by sword cuts, whilst engaged in combat with three Sepoys.

Lieutenant Gough also particularly distinguished himself, near Jellalabad, Lucknow, on 25 February 1858, by showing a brilliant example to his Regiment, when ordered to charge the enemy's guns, and by his gallant and forward conduct, he enabled them to effect their object. On this occasion he engaged himself in a series of single combats, until at length he was disabled by a musketball through the leg, while charging two Sepoys with fixed bayonets. Lieutenant Gough on this day had two horses killed under him, a shot through his helmet, and another through his scabbard, besides being severely wounded.

Later career

Gough achieved the rank of general. He was appointed Keeper of the Jewel House at the Tower of London and Lieutenant-Governor of the Channel Islands.

Family

General Gough was the son of Judge George Gough and Charlotte Margaret Becher. He was brother to General Sir Charles Gough, and uncle of the senior First World War commanders General Sir Hubert Gough and Brigadier General Sir John Gough. He was the grandnephew of Field Marshal The 1st Viscount Gough. His daughter, Charlotte Elise Gough (died 17 August 1942), married Lieutenant General Sir Henry Wilson, by whom she had three children:

• Arthur Henry Maitland Wilson, b 22 January 1885, accidentally killed 29 January 1918.
• Hugh Maitland Wilson, 6 April 1886.
• Muriel Maitland Wilson, died unmarried 25 June 1950.

Works

• Old Memories. Cornell University Library (1 January 1897) ISBN 978-1-4297-4127-9