An attack on Fort Ruhiya, held by rebel Indian forces during the Mutiny, saw the award of five Victoria Crosses. Captain Cafe, Lance-Corporal Thompson and Private Spence retrieved the body of an officer lying under the walls of the fort, and Private Kelly was similarly decorated for the recovery of the body of another officer killed. In a third incident, Sergeant Simpson rescued under fire two badly wounded men. Spence died shortly afterwards of wounds received that day.

Elsewhere, as British and loyal Indian troops pursued a defeated rebel force near Azumgurh, Farrier Murphy and Private Morley went to the rescue of a wounded officer whose horse had been shot from under him. The two men killed or drove off a number of enemy approaching the casualty, then stood guard over him, shielding his body, until relief arrived. Both received the Victoria Cross.