Victoria Cross awarded to Lieutenant (later General) William Martin Cafe, 56th Regiment of Native Infantry, 1858

Cafe (1826-1906) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 15 April 1858 during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) at the attack on Fort Ruhya. Alongside three privates, and under heavy fire, he rescued the body of Lieutenant Willoughby, who had been shot down whilst capturing a position. Whilst the others attended to Willoughby, Cafe then ran to the rescue of Private Spence, who had been severely wounded.

Cafe was born on 23 March 1826 and entered the Army as ensign in June 1842. Retiring with the rank of general, he died on 5 August 1906.

From a medal group awarded to General William Martin Cafe VC.