Charles Mullins

Major Charles Herbert Mullins VC CMG (28 June 1869 – 24 May 1916)[1] was a South African 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.

For the pediatric cardiologist, see Charles Mullins (pediatric cardiologist). For the adult cardiologist and healthcare administrator, see Charles Mullins (physician executive). For the British plumbing businessman, see Charlie Mullins.

Charles Mullins
Born28 June 1869
Grahamstown, South Africa
Died24 May 1916 (aged 46)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Buried
Grahamstown Old Cemetery
AllegianceColony of Natal
Years of service1899 - 1902
RankMajor
UnitImperial Light Horse (Natal)
Battles/warsSecond Boer War
AwardsVictoria Cross
Order of St Michael and St George
Other workBarrister

Details

Mullins was 30 years old, and a captain in the Imperial Light Horse (Natal) during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place at the Battle of Elandslaagte for which he and Captain Robert Johnston were awarded the VC.

On the 21st October, 1899, at Elandslaagte, at a most critical moment, the advance being momentarily checked by a very severe fire at point blank range, these two Officers very gallantly rushed forward under this heavy fire and rallied the men, thus enabling the flanking movement, which decided the day, to be carried out. On this occasion Captain Mullins was wounded.[2]

Mullins returned to the United Kingdom and received the VC from King Edward during an investiture at Marlborough House 25 July 1901.[3][4]

He later achieved the rank of major.

The medal was held by St. Andrew's College, Grahamstown, South Africa. It was later returned to the family and is now on loan to the Imperial War Museum, London.

Clarles was the son of the Revd Canon Robert John Mullins, and brother to Robert George Mullins, the founder of St. Andrew's Preparatory School in Grahamstown.[5]

See also

References
  1. "A South African V.C". Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. 26 May 1916. p. 7 col D. Retrieved 18 August 2015 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  2. "No. 27283". The London Gazette. 12 February 1901. p. 1059.
  3. "Court Circular". The Times (36517). London. 26 July 1901. p. 3.
  4. "The Court". Aberdeen Journal (14511). 26 July 1901. p. 4 col F. Retrieved 18 August 2015 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. Biggins, David. "Mullins, Charles Herbert". Anglo Boer War. Retrieved 18 August 2015.

Further reading
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