RSM David Spence VC died 17th April 1877 aged 78. He was buried in Lambeth Cemetery, Blackshaw Road Tooting on 21st April 1877. For many years his grave was lost; it has recently been found and arrangements are under way to transfer the ownership of the plot to one of Spence’s descendants. TSM David Spence, 9th Lancers, citation for VC gazetted 24 December 1858

For conspicuous gallantry on the 17th of January, 1858, at Shumsabad, in going to the assistance of Private Kidd, who had been wounded, and his horse disabled, and bringing him out from a large number of rebels. Despatch from Major-General Sir James Hope Grant, K.C.B., dated 8th April, 1858

His VC was presented by Queen Victoria at Windsor castle on 4th January 1860

Spence retired from the Army as RSM of the 9th Lancers and became a Yeoman of the Guard

APPEAL FOR FUNDS

His descendants in Australia have made an appeal that funds be sent to the Victoria Cross Trust as around £2,500 needs to be raised to pay for a memorial tablet to be suitably inscribed and laid on the grave. The Royal Lancers Charitable Trust is supporting the appeal.

Donations may be made in one of the following ways:

BACS

Victoria Cross Trust Account Number: 36696900 Sort Code: 60-06-39 Ref: Spence VC

or by sending a cheque payable to Victoria Cross Trust to:

The Regimental Secretary

The Royal Lancers

Lancer House

Prince William of Gloucester Barracks

Grantham NG31 7TJ

United Kingdom

The original medal can be viewed at the 9th/12th Royal Lancers Museum within the Derby Museum in Derby.