54 AWARDED FOR VALOUR
There were also those who sought, like Colonel Daubeney, to inflate
some mention of their gallantry into official recognition. The 50th Regiment
did not recommend anyone in the official reply to the War Office circular
announcing the award.^37 The Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Lieu-
tenant Colonel Richard Waddy, did submit himself for the Victoria Cross in
a separate letter sent directly to General Yorke. He included a copy of a letter
sent by Lieutenant General Richard England, commander of the Third Divi-
sion in the Crimea to the Quarter Master General of Headquarters, Crimea,
in February 1855. The letter detailed the gallantry of Waddy in the holding
of the trenches on the night of 20–21 December 1854. England never
said anything about recommending Waddy for an award, but did state that
‘Colonel Waddy appears to be entitled to my best commendations for the
especial gallantry with which he conducted the efforts so forcefully made for
the repulse of the enemy.’^38 The War Office and Horse Guards apparently
did not approve of Waddy’s presumption to the honor, and reasoned that
if England had meant the colonel to have a Victoria Cross, he would have
recommended the colonel for a Victoria Cross. Waddy’s self-seeking request
was denied.^39
The Queen herself was involved in the selection process as the final
arbiter. In most instances she was content to trust those to whom selection
authority had been delegated, but was occasionally moved to overrule their
decisions:
The selections appear to her very much well-made & with a close regard
not to make the distinction too common & not to recognize the mere
performance of duty to the satisfaction of superiors, but solely volunteer
acts. There is only one case which the Queen thinks had better be omitted,
viz. that of private McGuire of the 33rd. This deed, although publicly
praised & rewarded by Lord Raglan, was one of very doubtful morality
& if pointed out by the Sovereign as praiseworthy, may lead to the cruel
& inhumane practice of never seeking prisoners, but always putting to
death those who may be overpowered for fear of their rising upon their
captors.^40
Lord Panmure, true to his pledge that the Cross was the sole preserve of the
Queen, duly dropped McGuire from the list.^41
The Adjutant General’s office rarely gave reasons for denial of the Cross,
understandable from an administrative standpoint, as it would tend to derail
any appeal of the rejection. A soldier or an officer might feel justified in
appealing a decision if a specific lack or deficiency were pointed out in the
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