The stirring tales of two daring brothers who both received the Victoria Cross have emerged as their medals are auctioned off.
Major General Reginald Sartorius was awarded the highest honour for gallantry for rescuing a wounded comrade during an African campaign in 1874.
His brother Euston earned his VC five years later after leading six men against a “fanatical enemy” on a heavily-guarded Afghanistan hill.
Reginald joined the army in 1858 and distinguished himself during the Indian Mutiny with the 72nd Bengal Native Infantry.
He was a major in the 6th Bengal Cavalry during the Third Anglo-Ashanti War when he performed his act of heroism, accompanied by his trusty Gordon setter dog Bell.
Reginald retired after 40 years service and died on the Isle of Wight aged 66 in 1907.
Euston, of the 59th Regiment of Foot, was awarded a VC for gallantry at Shahjui in 1879.
The captain suffered sword cuts to both hands in combat but fought on.
He died in Chelsea, West London, aged 80 in 1925.
Miniatures of their VCs, valued at around £20,000, are being sold off with other medals they earned by Duke’s Auctions in Dorchester, Dorset.
Auctioneer Adam Chapman said: “There are only a handful of instances where two brothers have received a Victoria Cross.”
