Reginald Sartorius Explained

Reginald Sartorius
Honorific Suffix:VC CMG
Birth Date:8 May 1841
Death Date:8 August 1907 (aged 66)
Birth Place:Sintra, Portugal
Death Place:Cowes, Isle of Wight
Placeofburial:St Mary's Churchyard, South Baddesley
Rank:Major General
Battles:Indian Mutiny
Bhutan War
Third Anglo-Ashanti War
Second Anglo-Afghan War
Awards: Victoria Cross
Order of St Michael and St George
Relations:Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Rose Sartorius (father)
Major General Euston Henry Sartorius VC (brother)

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, now a captain, Sartorius took part in the First Ashanti Expedition, in modern-day Ghana.[1]

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,[1] promoted to brevet major, 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.[1] In 1895 he was promoted to major-general, Bengal infantry, 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.[1] He was buried St Mary's Churchyard, South Baddesley, Hampshire.

Family

His father was Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Rose Sartorius. He had two brothers, both of whom entered the army: George Conrad Sartorius, who retired as a colonel, and Major General Euston Henry Sartorius, who was also awarded the VC.[1]

In 1877 Sartorius married Agnes Maria Kemp. They had a son, who also served in the Indian Army, and a daughter.[1]

One of Victoria College Jersey's five Houses was later named 'Sartorius' after the three brothers, all of whom attended the school.[2]

The medal

His Victoria Cross is held by the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.[3]

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. 10.1093/ref:odnb/72993 . Sartorius brothers . Anderson . Dorothy . 2004.
  2. Web site: Victoria College - School Life . victoriacollege.je . Victoria College . 15 June 2020.
  3. Web site: Reginald William Sartorius VC, CMG: biography. VConline.org.uk . 8 April 2022.