The other sepoy took advantage of the opportunity to
take steady aim at Roberts, point-blank, but the weapon missed fire.
Roberts returned with the flag, and for reward of his gallant action was
given the V. C., that most coveted of British decorations.
Another officer in writing of the event says: "Roberts is one of those
rare men who, to uncommon daring and bravery in the field, and
unflinching, hard-working discharge of duty in the camp, adds the charm
of cheery and unaffected kindness and hospitality in the tent, and his
acquaintance and friendship are high prizes to those who obtain them."
With the end of the Mutiny, Roberts was sent to England on sick leave for
a much-needed rest. In April, 1858, exactly six years after his arrival
at Calcutta, he turned over his duties of Deputy-Assistant
Quartermaster-General to his successor--though much against his will. He
felt that again he was in danger of being put upon the shelf, and his
intensely active nature longed for still further field service.
In a little over a year, however, he was recalled to India, and there
given a unique task. The first Viceroy to India, Canning, determined to
impress the natives by a pomp and display dear to their own hearts, and
show the majesty of England, by holding a series of Durbars, or triumphal
processions.
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