Redvers Henry Buller

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

BULLER, Redvers Henry (later Sir Redvers) (Reg.No 149)

Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, 60th Rifles (becoming The King's Royal Rifle Corps)

London Gazetted on 17th June 1879 VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.

Born on 7th December 1839 at Downes, Crediton, Devonshire.

Died on 2nd June 1908 at Crediton, Devonshire.

Memorials at Winchester Cathedral, (effigy,) Exeter Cathedral, Crediton Church and an equestrian effigy at Exeter.

Digest of Citation reads: On 28 March 1879 at Inhlobana, South Africa (Zulu Campaign), during the retreat, Lieutenant Colonel Buller, while being hotly pursued by Zulus, rescued a captain of The Frontier Light Horse and carried him on his own horse until he overtook the rearguard. On the same day, under the same circumstances, he carried a lieutenant, whose horse had ben killed under him, to a place of safety. Again, on the same day, he saved a trooper whose horse was exhausted, and who would otherwise have been killed by the Zulus who were within 80 yards of him.

Additional information: General Sir Redvers Buller had family ties with two other VC s who also bore his name; 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Buller Turner and his brother, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Buller Turner. He was the son of John Wentworth Buller and Charlotte, his wife, of Downes, Credditon, Devonshire. His wife. Charlotte was the daughter of Lord Howard. After attending Eton he joined the 2nd Battalion as an Ensign (Gazetted 23rd May 1858) In 1860 he served in China being at the taking of the Taku Forts and the advance on Peking. In 1870 was present on the Red River Expedition. He was promoted to Captain. His superior Lord Wolseley said that Buller was the bravest man he'd ever known. In 1873 he was in the Ashanti Expedition as Deputy Assist. Quartermaster-General being continually Mentioned in Despatches by Wolseley, He commanded the Frontier Light Horse in the Kaffir War in 1878. He was repeatedly recommended fro acts of gallantry, this time by Lord Chelmsford. He was promoted Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in 1879, serving in the Zulu War, during which he won the Victoria Cross.(cited above); In 1886 he was sent to organise the Constabulary in Ireland; From 1887 to 1890 he was Quarter-Master General of the Forces; In 1890 he succeeded Lord Wolseley as Adjutant-General Promoted Lieutenant-General in 1891 he was also created a GCB. He was appointed C-in-C in the Boer War (1898), in 1900 winning the Battle of Colenso also occupying Spion Kop. In 1901, Buller personally directed the crossing of the Tugela by the relieving force and on the 28th of February relieved the siege on Ladysmith. He followed this by taking and occupying Newcastle, forcing Alleman's Nek, going on to Lydenburg. He was criticised for not wanting to commit his men to unnecessary slaughter and was replaced by Field Marshall Roberts in 1899 as C-in-C South Africa. He was however highly respected by his men and by the people Of Great Britain. On his magnificent memorial in Winchester Cathedral, a recumbent figure in a smooth black stone, is a plaque that states, "A great Leader–beloved of his men." Also; China Medal and 2 clasps