Note 139 — THE PERSIAN CAMPAIGN. 1856–1857.

Captain John Augustus Wood, of the 20th. Bombay Native Infantry, gained the Victoria Cross for his gallantry on the 9th. of December. On that day he led the grenadier company, which formed the head of the assaulting column. He was the first man on the parapet of the fort, where he was instantly attacked by a large number of the garrison, who suddenly sprang on him from a trench cut in the parapet itself. These men fired a volley at Captain Wood and the head of the storming party, when only a yard or two distant; although struck by no less than seven musket-balls, he at once threw himself upon the enemy, passed his sword through the body of their leader, and, being closely followed by the men of his company, speedily overcame all opposition, and established himself in the place. His wounds compelled him to leave the force for a time; but with the true spirit of a good soldier, he rejoined his regiment, and returned to his duty at Bushire before the wounds were properly healed.