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Robert Humpston

1832 – 1884

English soldier (1832–1884); recipient of the Victoria Cross

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About Robert Humpston

Lived 1832 – 1884 (aged 51–52). Robert Humpston was a British military personnel.

Robert Humpston VC (1832 – 22 December 1884) 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.

Humpston was about 23 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 22 April 1855 in the Crimea Private Humpston and Private Joseph Bradshaw, on their own, attacked and captured a Russian rifle pit situated among the rocks overhanging the Woronzoff Road. The pit was occupied every night by the Russians and its capture and subsequent destruction was of great importance.

His Victoria Cross is part of the collection of Derby Museum & Art Gallery at Derby in England.

Following his death in 1884 Robert Humpston was buried in a pauper's grave. In September 2007, following a two-year campaign to raise £1,200 to get a headstone for Pte Humpston, his grave was dedicated in a ceremony at Nottingham Cemetery.

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Important facts

Born
1832, Derby
Birth century
Occupation
Awards
Victoria Cross

People in Robert Humpston's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Robert Humpston's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert Humpston?

English soldier (1832–1884); recipient of the Victoria Cross

When was Robert Humpston born?

Robert Humpston was born in 1832 in Derby.

When did Robert Humpston die?

Robert Humpston died on 22 December 1884 in Derby.

What was Robert Humpston's occupation?

Robert Humpston was a military personnel.

What nationality was Robert Humpston?

Robert Humpston was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Robert Humpston

· Wikidata: Q7345694

· DBpedia: Robert Humpston (VC)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert Humpston. https://biography.guide/robert-humpston/

MLA: "Robert Humpston." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-humpston/.

Chicago: "Robert Humpston." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-humpston/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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