Philip Salkeld

Blowing up of the Cashmere Gate at Delhi, 14 Sept. 1857, steel engraving Philip Salkeld VC (13 October 1830 – 10 October 1857) was an English 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. He was the first person to be awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.

He was born at the Rectory in Fontmell Magna, Dorset, England, educated at King's College School, London, and is buried in the Old Delhi Military Cemetery, Delhi, India.

Details Salkeld was 26 years old, and a lieutenant in the Bengal Engineers, Bengal Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he together with Duncan Charles Home was awarded the VC:

He was killed in action at Delhi on 10 October 1857.

Salkeld's companion at King's College School, Robert Haydon Shebbeare also received the Victoria Cross on the same day for his action in the fourth column attacking Delhi at the Kabul Gate.