Royal Humane Society Medal, Major General Euston Henry Sartorius, 59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment, 1869

The Royal Humane Society is a charity, established in 1774, which seeks to acknowledge men and women involved in life saving. Prior to winning the Victoria Cross Sartorius was awarded this RHS Bronze Medal for saving three girls from drowning at Broadstairs in Kent, on 29 June 1869.

Euston Henry Sartorius was born in Portugal on 6 June 1844. On 24 October 1879, while on campaign in Afghanistan serving with the 59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment, Sartorius led a small force of men in an assault on an enemy position on a steep hill. During the successful attack Sartorius was wounded by sword cuts to both hands, which resulted in the partial loss of use of his left hand. Sartorius won the Victoria Cross for his actions at Shahjui and he received the gallantry award from Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on 1 July 1881.

Sartorius went on to serve in Egyptian War of 1882 and retired from the Army in 1905 and died at his home in Chelsea in London on 19 February 1925. His brother Major General Reginald William Sartorius also won the Victoria Cross in the Second Ashanti War (1873-1874).

From a medal group awarded to Major General E H Sartorius (1844-1925), 59th (2nd Nottinghamshire) Regiment.