Reginald William Sartorius

Major General Reginald William Sartorius (8 May 1841 – 8 August 1907) was an army officer, and a 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.

Life

Educated at Victoria College, Jersey, Sartorius entered the Indian Army in January 1858. He joined the Bengal infantry, became a lieutenant in May 1858 and served in the Indian Mutiny (1858) and the Bhutan War (1864–65). In 1873, as a captain, Sartorius took part in the First Ashanti Expedition, in modern-day Ghana.

VC action Sartorius was a 32 year old captain in the 6th Bengal Cavalry, British Indian Army, during the First Ashanti Expedition when the following deed took place at Abogu in the Ashanti Region, for which he was awarded the VC. His citation read:

For his Ashanti service, Sartorius was also twice mentioned in dispatches, and made a companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.

Later career Sartorius served in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80) and in 1886 became a colonel. His active career came to an end in 1893, when he left India and went to live in Italy. and in 1897 was placed on the retired list.

He retired to Haslemere, Surrey. He was a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, and died suddenly on 8 August 1907 when sailing at Cowes, Isle of Wight.

One of Victoria College Jersey's five Houses was later named 'Sartorius' after the three brothers, all of whom attended the school.

The medal His Victoria Cross is held by the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.