TEETHING PROBLEMS, 1856–1867 49
imply thatallthe soldiers of the regiment were distinguished simply by the
fact that they belonged to that particular unit.^19
The regiments that responded to the circular with modest recommend-
ations did so for two main reasons. Some commanders made an honest
appraisal of their men and their actions and recommended those who had
indeed performed ‘some signal act of valour.’ For example, the 89th Regi-
ment nominated only one man, Private John Fisher, who had remained
steadfast at his post in a trench fatigue party when his companions retired
under fire.^20
Other regiments limited their recommendations according to much less
objective criteria. The 47th Regiment did not return any other ranks for the
VC; all four of its Crimean recommendations were for officers, and none of
them was below the rank of captain.^21 This may have been a coincidence,
that no enlisted soldier had performed any act deemed worthy of the Cross,
but it may very well reflect the attitude put forth by Colonel Henry Warre
of the 57th regiment:
and as I am quite ignorant of the extent to which the Government intend
to grant the annuity attached to this much coveted and very distinguished
Order: I have taken the liberty of submitting the whole of the names of
these men, whom upon careful examinationdistinguished themselves
‘above their comrades.’
I do not anticipate that Her Royal Highness will admit the whole
of these claims, but it will be a great satisfaction to the claimants to
know their gallantry has been made known, as many if not all these
soldiers would, I am convinced, have been perfectly satisfied with the
Cross, unaccompanied by the pecuniary remuneration,which must limit its
distribution. [Emphasis added.]
As there is no pecuniary award attached to the Cross to be conferred
upon officers I have submitted the names of five (see above) whose
conspicuous gallantry on all occasions Entitles them I hope for this distinc-
tion – and should His Royal Highness take into consideration my own
conduct on the 10th of June – for an account of which I trust I may refer
you to [a variety of illegibly scrawled names] or to the officers of my
own regiment I should feel gratified^22
Warre hit precisely on a sinister aspect of the selection process. Under the
provisions of the Royal Warrant, enlisted personnel who won the Victoria
Cross were to receive an annual pension of £10.^23 The magnanimity of
lily
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