For a brief period the Victoria Cross was awarded for bravery displayed even when no enemy was present. Only six VCs were awarded in such circumstances, of which one was to a Canadian, Dr. Campbell Mellis Douglas (1840-1909).

On 7 May 1867, he manned a boat through dangerous surf in the Andaman Islands to evacuate soldiers who had gone ashore to investigate the disappearance of sailors. He retired to Canada in 1882 and served in the North-West Campaign.