Local Hero

This is a photograph of Sergeant-Major Champion in full dress uniform. James Champion was born and died in Hammersmith and he came to my notice when I saw his headstone in Margravine Cemetery. It was put up last month although he died in 1904 and the Cemetery closed for new burials in 1951.

The London Gazette of 1860 has this citation for his Victoria Cross.

Troop Serjeant-Major James Champion. Date of Act of Bravery, 8th September, 1858

For distinguished bravery at Beejapore on the 8th of September, 1858, when both the Officers attached to the Troop were disabled, and himself severely wounded at the commencement of the action by a ball through his body, in having continued at his duty forward, throughout the pursuit, and disabled several of the Enemy with his pistol. Also recommended for distinguished conduct at Gwalior.

The VC had been created by Queen Victoria in 1856 and there were 182 recipients during the Indian Mutiny. Champion had already served in the Crimea, taking part in the Charge of the Light Brigade when he was twenty.

He was buried in an unmarked grave in Margravine Cemetery. The Victoria Cross Trust and Lord Ashcroft took action to mark this grave and those of other recipients of the VC whose headstones were either non-existent or had fallen into disrepair. Lord Ashcroft has a collection of 177 VCs and contributes £1,000 towards headstones for each recipient in his collection. James Champion’s grave is their latest achievement and I am glad to see that his bravery and service to his country is again recognised, albeit more than a century after his death.

If Bill Forsyth’s 1983 Local Hero is a favourite, you’ll enjoy this clip with Peter Capaldi (Who?) in his first film role.