Major General Sir Christopher Charles Teesdale (June 1) (1833) (December 1) (1893) was the first South African-born recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for valour in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, Historic, digitally restored reproduction from a 19th century original, Major General Sir Christopher Charles Teesdale (June 1) (1833) (December 1) (1893) was the first South African-born recipient of the Victoria Cross