David Spence (VC)

David Spence VC (1818 – 17 April 1877) was a Scottish 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.

Details
Spence was born in Scotland. He joined the 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers in 1842. When he was about 40 years old, and a troop sergeant-major in the 9th Lancers (The Queen's Royal), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 17 January 1858 at Shunsabad, India for which he was awarded the VC: "Troop Serjeant-Major Spence Date of Act of Bravery, 17th January, 1858 For conspicuous gallantry on the 17th of January, 1858, at Shumsabad, in going to the assistance of Private Kidd, who had been wounded, and his horse disabled, and bringing him out from a large number of rebels. Despatch from Major-General Sir James Hope Grant, K.C.B., dated 8th April, 1858."

Further information
He later achieved the rank of regimental sergeant-major and in 1862 became a Yeoman of the Guard.

The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers in Derby Museum, England.