Died: 12th September 1875 Haberton, Devon and is buried in St Peter's Churchyard Haberton
Citation: For conspicuous bravery when engaged before Lucknow on 9th March 1858 in having lead a portion of his company stormed a bastion mounting two guns and spiked the guns by which the advanced position held during the night of 9th March was rendered secure from the fire of artillery. Lt Farquharson was severely wounded while holding an advanced position on the morning of 10th March.
Army Career: Captain Farquharson served at the Siege of Sebastopol from the 14th July 1855 (Medal and Clasps and Turkish Medal). Served in the Campaign of 1857-8 against the Mutineers in India, including actions at Caunpore, 6th September 1857, Seriaghat, Kudygunge, and Shumsabad, Siege and Fall of Lucknow, and Assault of the Martiniere and Bank's Bungalow (Medal and Clasps). He was an Ensign on 19th January 1855, Lt 24th April 1855, Captain 28th June 1862 and Bt Major 1st April 1874.
Historical Background: Lucknow was the state capital of Oudh and had to be captured from the Mutineers as there was always the potential for trouble flaring as long as they held it. In March Sir Colin Campbell had 25000 men under his command against the 6000 rebels holding the city. Lucknow was a sprawling town with a rabbit warren of streets, bounded on the eastern sides by palaces, courtyards and gardens. The main attack by the Infantry came from this side. Whilst the Cavalry and Artillery came from the north.
The 42nd was posted in the Palace of the Dilkusha where they underwent several days of shelling from the Mutineers who were in a large military college called La Martiniere. On the 9th March Campbell assaulted with the order "The 42nd will lead the attack and the men employed will use nothing but the bayonet".
The 42nd advanced in two lines with the 93rd on their left. The distance was a thousand yards, which separated them from the defences in front of La Martiniere. The first line under Colonel Priestly took the fortifications to the left of the building whilst Colonel Alexander Cameron lead the second line up a parapet to the right and it was here that Lieutenant Farquharson lead an attack on two guns and won his VC.
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