The Persian War of 1856–1857 was undertaken to compel the withdrawal of the Persians from Herat, a fortress in Afghanistan which they had occupied. The route to Bushire on the Persian Gulf, which the expeditionary force intended to use as a base, was blocked by the enemy held fort of Reshire which was attacked on 19 December 1856.

Captain (later Colonel) John Augustus Wood (c.1821–1878), 20th Bombay Native Infantry, was the first man over the parapet. Though hit seven times by musket fire he killed the nearest enemy leader with his sword and, followed by his men, gained control of the fort. Captain Wood was the first officer of the Indian Army to win the Victoria Cross. Bushire surrendered the next day after a naval bombardment.