Field Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar-Honours

Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (G.C.S.I)

The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India

Founded in 1861 as a reward for services in connection with India. After the Indian Mutiny of 1857-58, the British Crown accepted responsibility for the administration of the Indian subcontinent, taking over the duties from the private trading company, known as the Honourable East India Company. It was quickly realized that it was necessary to have an order connected solely with India, as a mark of the Government's esteem for the loyal princes and others. The insignia are the most magnificent of all British Orders, especially the Knight Grand Commander (G.C.S.I.), which, as it was awarded to the Viceroy and Indian princes, was of gold and enamel, lavishly set with diamonds.

The first class of this and the Order of the Indian empire was designated Knight Grand Commander, thus removing the Christian designation of Knight Grand Cross, the Order being given mainly to Hindus and Muslims.

From: Spink's Catalogue of British and Associated Orders, Decorations and Medals, 1983.

		Field Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar Honours and Decorations
		Lord Roberts was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the face of the enemy while serving as a Lieutenant in the Bengal Horse Artillery (Indian Army) during the Indian Mutiny. The Victoria Cross is Britain's highest award for gallantry. In 1899, his son, Frederick Hugh Sherston Roberts, was awarded the V.C. posthumously for his actions at the Battle of Colenso during the South African War.

		Background and short biography of Lord Roberts. Kipling's poem "Bobs" written at the time of his death. 1914 Roberts
		In his autobiography, Forty-One Years in India, London, 1897, Lord Roberts recounts the Siege of Delhi (1857) during the Indian Mutiny (Chapters XIII through XIX).

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