medal, decoration

Victoria Cross

Ensign Charles Pye, 53rd Regiment, Indian Mutiny

He received the Victoria Cross for action at Lucknow in 1857

"For steadiness and fearless conduct under fire at Lucknow, on the 17th November, 1857, when bringing up ammunition to the Mess House, and on every occasion when the regiment has been engaged. Elected by the non-commissioned officers of the Regiment."

Ensign Charles Pye, VC

Charles Pye, was born in England on 22 November 1820. He enlisted in the 40th Foot as a private in 1840 and travelled with the regiment to India where he served from June 1841 to April 1860, and was present in many of the actions involving the British and the British East India Company.

Gwalior Campaign Star ‘Maharajpoor, 29 December 1843

This medal was received for service in the Battle of Maharajpoor in the state of Gwalior. The medal was made from the metal of captured guns.

Sutlej Campaign Medal, 18 December 1845 – 22nd February 1846

In 1844 Charles Pye transferred to the 31st Foot and served in the Sutlej campaign and was present at all the actions, receiving the medal with the Moodkee reverse and all three campaign clasps, Ferozeshur, Aliwal and Sobraon. He was present at the subsequent advance on Lahore and was promoted to Corporal.

Punjab Campaign Medal, 7 September 1848 – 14 March 1849

Charles Pye then transferred to the 53rd Regiment in April 1846 and was promoted to Sergeant and then Colour Sergeant. He served in the Punjab Campaign and was present at operations against the Hill Tribes on the Peshaiver Frontier in 1852-53.

Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-58

Charles now served in many engagements throughout the Indian Rebellion and received clasps for Lucknow and the Relief of Lucknow. He was also awarded the Victoria Cross for action at Lucknow: "For steadiness and fearless conduct under fire at Lucknow, on the 17th November, 1857, when bringing up ammunition to the Mess House, and on every occasion when the regiment has been engaged. Elected by the non-commissioned officers of the Regiment."

During the remainder of the Indian Campaign, from 1858 to 1859, Pye served in the Oude Military Police as District Adjutant. He received further promotions (without purchase), to Ensign and to Lieutenant.

New Zealand

In 1862 Charles Pye took his discharge and emigrated to New Zealand with his wife and daughter. Here he was appointed Captain of the Auckland Militia in July 1863, and the following year as Captain of the Colonial Defence Force. He served at Hairini and Te Ranga in the Bay of Plenty and a redoubt near Tauranga, Pye’s Pa was named in his honour.

Following his discharge from the NZ Forces, Pye and his family travelled to England to collect his father. During the return voyage Mary, his wife, died in India. Charles Pye lived for a time at Shortland (Thames) and then in Australia where he died in 1876.