British Heritage
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Elizabeth Webber Harris
A Shining Example in British Heritage.
Elizabeth Webber Harris, an emblem of courage and resilience, holds an unparalleled position in British military history. Serving as a nurse during a cholera outbreak in India, her brave and tenacious spirit won her a unique accolade—a replica Victoria Cross (VC), the highest military decoration awarded for valour. With this distinction, granted in 1869 with Queen Victoria's consent, she became the only woman to receive a VC of any kind, a testament to her exceptional contribution to British heritage.
Elizabeth Matthews was born in Kent, England, in 1834, the second child in a family of humble means headed by James Matthews and Mary Ann Bailey. Her life took a turn on 22 February 1859, when she married Captain Webber Desborough Harris of the 2nd Bengal Fusiliers (which would later be renamed the 104th). This union set the stage for her remarkable journey to India, where she would earn her place in the annals of British history.
Harris' time in India, especially during the cholera outbreak near Peshawar (now part of modern Pakistan) in 1869, was marked by her steadfast dedication to service. Amidst the epidemic, her husband's regiment was divided into two groups to control the infection's spread. Unfortunately, in the half of the regiment with which Harris remained, a third of the soldiers fell victim to the disease within three months.
Nevertheless, Harris, the only woman within the regiment, remained unyielding. She nursed the sick with relentless determination, organized morale-boosting activities, and even confronted local tribesmen. Her account of these experiences narrates a tale of bravery, resilience, and a ceaseless commitment to her duties.
The Victoria Cross, typically awarded for acts of bravery in the line of duty, was restricted to male recipients during Harris' time. However, the regiment's officers acknowledged her indomitable courage by presenting her with a gold replica of the VC. Queen Victoria herself granted permission for this unprecedented act. Inscribed on the medal were the words: "Presented to Mrs Webber Harris by the officers of the 104th Bengal Fusiliers, for her indomitable pluck, during the cholera epidemic of 1869." This award was bestowed by General Sir Sam Browne, the then commander of the Peshawar garrison.
Elizabeth Webber Harris passed away in London in 1917, leaving behind a legacy that transcended boundaries and continues to inspire. Her ashes found their final resting place at St Mark, Ampfield, Hampshire. In 1920, a Royal Warrant allowed women serving in the Armed Forces to be formally awarded the VC, a significant step forward in acknowledging the contributions of women in military service. Yet, as of December 2021, Harris remains the only woman recipient of a Victoria Cross, be it an official one or a replica.
In conclusion, the narrative of Elizabeth Webber Harris' life and achievements weaves an enduring thread in the fabric of British heritage. Her unwavering courage in the face of a deadly epidemic, the empathetic care she provided to the ill, and the resilience she demonstrated in challenging circumstances embody the best of British values. Her unique distinction of being the sole female recipient of a Victoria Cross stands as a testament to her remarkable bravery and an inspiring legacy for future generations.
From England to India: The Journey of a Heroine
Elizabeth Matthews was born in Kent, England, in 1834, the second child in a family of humble means headed by James Matthews and Mary Ann Bailey. Her life took a turn on 22 February 1859, when she married Captain Webber Desborough Harris of the 2nd Bengal Fusiliers (which would later be renamed the 104th). This union set the stage for her remarkable journey to India, where she would earn her place in the annals of British history.
Undaunted Service: The Cholera Outbreak and the Replica Victoria Cross
Harris' time in India, especially during the cholera outbreak near Peshawar (now part of modern Pakistan) in 1869, was marked by her steadfast dedication to service. Amidst the epidemic, her husband's regiment was divided into two groups to control the infection's spread. Unfortunately, in the half of the regiment with which Harris remained, a third of the soldiers fell victim to the disease within three months.
Nevertheless, Harris, the only woman within the regiment, remained unyielding. She nursed the sick with relentless determination, organized morale-boosting activities, and even confronted local tribesmen. Her account of these experiences narrates a tale of bravery, resilience, and a ceaseless commitment to her duties.
The Victoria Cross, typically awarded for acts of bravery in the line of duty, was restricted to male recipients during Harris' time. However, the regiment's officers acknowledged her indomitable courage by presenting her with a gold replica of the VC. Queen Victoria herself granted permission for this unprecedented act. Inscribed on the medal were the words: "Presented to Mrs Webber Harris by the officers of the 104th Bengal Fusiliers, for her indomitable pluck, during the cholera epidemic of 1869." This award was bestowed by General Sir Sam Browne, the then commander of the Peshawar garrison.
The Final Years and an Unmatched Legacy
Elizabeth Webber Harris passed away in London in 1917, leaving behind a legacy that transcended boundaries and continues to inspire. Her ashes found their final resting place at St Mark, Ampfield, Hampshire. In 1920, a Royal Warrant allowed women serving in the Armed Forces to be formally awarded the VC, a significant step forward in acknowledging the contributions of women in military service. Yet, as of December 2021, Harris remains the only woman recipient of a Victoria Cross, be it an official one or a replica.
In conclusion, the narrative of Elizabeth Webber Harris' life and achievements weaves an enduring thread in the fabric of British heritage. Her unwavering courage in the face of a deadly epidemic, the empathetic care she provided to the ill, and the resilience she demonstrated in challenging circumstances embody the best of British values. Her unique distinction of being the sole female recipient of a Victoria Cross stands as a testament to her remarkable bravery and an inspiring legacy for future generations.
- Elizabeth Webber Harrisen.wikipedia.org
