Hastings Edward Harington VC (9 November 1832 – 20 July 1861) was an English 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.
Background
Harington was born in St Peter Port, Guernsey in 1832, the son of a reverend, and educated at Reading School and the East India Company Military Seminary, Addiscombe, Surrey.
He then took part in the pursuit of the rebels towards Rohileund until he was severely wounded at Rooyah. This last wound compelled him to go to the Himalayas to recover his health; but deriving only temporary relief and still being troubled by a bullet which remained in his back, he returned to England, where after undergoing an operation the bullet was extracted. His health being partially restored he returned to duty in October 1860. Shortly after his arrival in India he proceeded on service with the Sikkim Field Force. He was afterwards appointed adjutant 6th Battalion Bengal Artillery at Agra, where he died from cholera on 20 July 1861, having achieved the rank of captain. He was buried in Agra Cemetery.
The Victoria Cross
Harington was 25 years old, and a Lieutenant in the Bengal Artillery, Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deeds took place at the Relief of Lucknow for which he was awarded the VC, the citation reading as follows:
His family sold the medal in 2024.