Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross

HACKETT, Thomas Bernard   1857; Lucknow, India

On 18 November 1857 at Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, India, Lieutenant Hackett, with others (MONGER, G.), rescued a corporal of the 23rd Regiment, who was lying wounded and exposed to very heavy fire. He also showed conspicuous bravery when, under heavy fire, he ascended the roof and cut the thatch of a bungalow to prevent its being set on fire.

HAMILTON, Thomas de Courcy  1855; Sebastopol, Crimea

On 11 May 1855 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, in a most determined sortie, Captain Hamilton boldly charged great numbers of the enemy with a small force, driving them from a battery of which they had taken possession. He was conspicuous for his gallantry on this occasion and his action saved the works from falling into enemy hands.

HAMILTON, Walter Richard Pollock  1879; Futtehabad, Afghanistan

On 2 April 1879 at Futtehabad, Afghanistan, Lieutenant Hamilton led a charge of the Guide Cavalry against very superior numbers of the enemy. When his commanding officer fell, the lieutenant, the only officer left with the regiment, assumed command and cheered his men on to avenge the death of the commanding officer. In this charge, seeing that a sowar was down, entangled with his dead horse and being attacked by three of the enemy, Lieutenant Hamilton rushed to the rescue, cutting down all three and saving the life of the sowar.

HARRISON, John  1857; Lucknow, India

On 16 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, volunteers were called for to climb a tree near the wall of the Shah Nujeff mosque in order to spot the enemy's position and then to dislodge the mutineers who were throwing grenades and firing on the gun crews below. Leading Seaman Harrison, together with a lieutenant (SALMON, N.) and an able seaman responded to the call and succeeded in performing this dangerous service, but the lieutenant was wounded in the thigh and the able seaman was killed.

HART, Reginald Clare    1879; Bazar Valley, Afghanistan

On 31 January 1879 in the Bazar Valley, Afghanistan, Lieutenant Hart, while on convoy duty, ran some 1,200 yards to the rescue of a wounded sowar of the 13th Bengal Lancers, lying in a river bed exposed to the fire of the enemy on all sides. He reached the wounded man, drove off the enemy and with the help of some soldiers who had accompanied him, carried the casualty to safety.

HARTIGAN, Henry 1857; Battle of Badle-ke-Serai, India

On 8 June 1857 at the Battle of Badle-ke-Serai, near Delhi, India, Pensioned Sergeant Hartigan went to the assistance of another sergeant who was wounded, dismounted and surrounded by the enemy, and at the risk of his own life, carried the casualty to safety. On 10 October at Agra, Sergeant Hartigan went to the assistance of another sergeant who was being attacked by four rebels. He seized a tulwar from one of them, hitting him in the mouth, then, defending himself from the other three, killed one and wounded two. He was himself dangerously wounded during this action.

HAWTHORNE, Robert      1857; Delhi, India

On 14 September 1857 at Delhi, India, Bugler Hawthorne accompanied the explosion party ( HOME, D.C., SALKFELD, P. and SMITH, John) in the desperate task of blowing in the Kashmir Gate. He not only performed the dangerous duty on which he was employed, but, under heavy musketry fire, bound up the wounds on of one of the officers of the party, who had been badly hurt.

HILL, Samuel 1857; Lucknow, India

On 16 and 17 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, Sergeant Hill went with a major (GUISE, J.C.) to save the life of a captain at the storming of the Secundra Bagh and also went in under heavy fire to help two wounded men. In fact he acted with gallantry throughout the operations for the relief of the Lucknow garrison. Killed in action, Meerut, India - 21 Feb 1863

HOLLAND, John Vincent     1916; Guillemont, France

On 3 September 1916 at Guillemont, France, during a heavy engagement, Lieutenant Holland, not content with bombing hostile dug-outs within the objective, fearlessly led his bombers through our own artillery barrage and cleared a great part of the village in front. He started out with 26 bombers and finished with only five after capturing some 50 prisoners. By this gallant action he undoubtedly broke the spirit of the enemy and saved many casualties. He was far from well at the time and later had to go to hospital.

HUGHES, Thomas    1916; Guillemont, France

On 3 September 1916 at Guillemont, France, Private Hughes was wounded in an attack but returned at once to the firing line after having his wounds dressed. Later, seeing a hostile machine-gun, he dashed out in front of his company, shot the gunner and, single-handed, captured the gun. Though again wounded, he brought back three or four prisoners.

IRWIN, Charles     1857; Lucknow, India

Born: Manorhamiliton, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
 Died: 29 Mar 1873 at Newton Butler, Co. Fermanagh, Ireland.

On 16 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, Private Irwin showed conspicuous bravery at the assault on the Secundra Bagh when, although severely wounded through the right shoulder, he was one of the first to enter

JACKMAN, James Joseph Bernard   1941; Tobruk, Libya

On 25 November 1941 at Tobruk, Libya, the assault on El Duda ridge was being slowed down by fierce enemy fire from anti-tank guns and Captain Jackman as calmly as though on manoeuvres, led his machinegun company to ease the situation on the right flank of our tanks. Then, standing up in his vehicle, he led the trucks across the front between the tanks and the guns and got them into action on the left flank. His coolness and complete disregard of danger not only inspired his own men but also the tank crews. He was killed next day.

JENNINGS, Edward    1857; Lucknow, India

During the whole of the period 14 to 22 November 1857, at the Relief of Lucknow, India, Rough-Rider Jennings acted with conspicuous gallantry.

JOHNSTON, Robert  1899; Battle of Elandslaagte, South Africa

On 21 October 1899 at the Battle of Elandslaagte, South Africa, at a most critical moment, when the advance was momentarily checked by very severe fire at point-blank range, Captain Johnston and another officer (MULLINS, C.H.) gallantly rushed forward under very heavy fire and rallied the men thus enabling the decisive nanking movement to be carried out.

JONES, Henry Mitchell   1855; Sebastopol, Crimea

On 7 June 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Captain Jones distinguished himself while serving with the party which stormed and took the Quarries. He repeatedly led his men to repel the continual assaults of the enemy during the night and although wounded early in the evening, he remained at his post until after daylight the following morning.

KAVANAGH, Thomas Henry  1857; Lucknow, India

On 9 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, Mr. Kavanagh volunteered to go through the city (in disguise) to the camp of the relieving force outside, so that he could guide them to the beleaguered garrison in the Residency. This mission, performed against overwhelming odds, was successful and the garrison was relieved. One of only five civilians to be awarded the VC

KEATINGE, Richard Harte   1858; Chundairee, India

On 17 March 1858 at the assault of Chundairee, India, Major Keatinge voluntarily led the column through the breach which was protected by heavy cross-fire. He was one of the first to enter and was severely wounded, but the column was saved from serious loss which would probably have resulted but for the major's knowledge of the area. Having cleared the breach, he led the column into the fort where he was again wounded.

KELLY, Henry   1916; Le Sars, France

On 4 October 1916 at Le Sars, France, Second Lieutenant Kelly twice rallied his company under the heaviest fire and eventually led the only three available men of his company into the enemy's trench, remaining there bombing, until two of his men became casualties and enemy reinforcements arrived from the rear. He then carried his wounded company sergeant-major back to our trenches, a distance of 70 yards, and subsequently brought in more wounded.

KENEALLY, William   1915; Gallipoli, Turkey

On 25 April 1915 west of Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, three companies and the Headquarters of the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, when landing an W Beach, were met by a very deadly fire from hidden machine-guns which caused a large number of casualties. The survivors, however, rushed up and cut the wire entanglements notwithstanding the terrific fire from the enemy and after overcoming supreme difficulties, the cliffs were gained and the position maintained. See also BROMLEY, C., GRIMSHAW, J.E., RICHARDS, AJ., STUBBS, F.E. and WILLIS, R.R. Killed in action, Gallipoli, Turkey - 29 Jun 1915

KENNA, Paul Aloysius    1898; Battle of Khartoum, Sudan

On 2 September 1898 at the Battle of Khartoum, Sudan, when a major of the 21st Lancers was in danger, as his horse had been shot in the charge, Captain Kenna took the major up on his own horse, to a place of safety. After the charge Captain Kenna returned to help a lieutenant (DE MONTMORENCY, R.H.LJ.) who was trying to recover the body of an officer who had been killed. Killed in action, Suvla, Gallipoli, Turkey - 30 Aug 1915

KENNY, Henry Edward  1915; Loos, France

On 25 September 1915 near Loos, France, Private Kenny went out on six different occasions under very heavy shell, rifle and machine-gun fire. Each time he carried in to a place of safety a wounded man who had been lying in the open. He was himself wounded as he handed the last wounded soldier over the parapet.

KENNY, William      1914; Ypres, Belgium

On 23 October 1914 near Ypres, Belgium, Drummer Kenny rescued wounded men on five occasions under very heavy fire. Twice previously he had saved machine-guns by carrying them out of action, and on numerous occasions he conveyed urgent messages under very dangerous circumstances over fire-swept ground.

KENNY, William David     1920; Kot Kai, India

On 2 January 1920 near Kot Kai, North West Frontier, India, Lieutenant Kenny was in command of a company holding an advanced covering position which was repeatedly attacked by the Mahsuds in greatly superior numbers. For over four hours this officer maintained his position repulsing three determined attacks, being foremost in the hand-to-hand fighting which took place. In the subsequent withdrawal, recognising that a diversion was necessary in order that some of the wounded could be got away, he turned back with a handful of men and counter-attacked the pursuing enemy and with the rest of his men was killed fighting to the last.

LAMBERT, George   1857; Oonao, India

On 29 July 1857 at Oonao, India, Sergeant-Major Lambert acted with distinguished bravery. Also on 16 August at Bithoor when the rebels were driven at the point of the bayonet out of a strong position, and on 25 September at the passage through Lucknow to the Residency.

LANE, Thomas   1860;  Taku Forts, China

On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Private Lane and a lieutenant (BURSLEM, N.) of his regiment displayed great gallantry in swimming the ditches of the North Taku Fort and attempting, during the assault and before an entrance had been effected by anyone, to enlarge an opening in the wall, through which they eventually entered. In doing so, they were both severely wounded.

LAUGHNAN, Thomas   1857; Lucknow, India

During the whole of the period 14 to 22 November 1857 at the Relief of Lucknow, India, Gunner Laughnan acted with conspicuous gallantry.

LAWRENCE, Samuel Hill   1857; Lucknow, India

On 7 July 1857 at Lucknow, India, Lieutenant Lawrence was the first person to mount a ladder to examine a house held by the enemy, in order to discover whether or not a mine was being driven from it. His pistol was knocked from his hand by one of the enemy while he was accomplishing this task. Also, on 26 September the Lieutenant charged, with two of his men, in advance of his company, and captured a 9-pounder gun.

LEACH, Edward Pemberton    1879; Maidanah, Afghanistan

On 17 March 1879 near Maidanah, Afghanistan, Captain Leach, with some men of the 45th Sikhs, was covering the retirement of the Survey Escort who were carrying a mortally wounded lieutenant. The captain charged with his small band a very large number of the enemy and in the encounter he killed two or three himself while receiving a severe wound in his left arm. His action saved the whole party from annihilation.

LEET, William Knox   1879; Inhlobana, South Africa

On 28 March 1879 at Inhlobana, Zululand, South Africa, during the retreat, a lieutenant of the Frontier Light Horse whose horse had been shot under him, was on foot and being closely pursued by the Zulus. He would have been killed had not Major Leet taken him upon his horse and rode with him under fire of the enemy to a place of safety.

LENDRIM, William James      1855; Sebastopol, Crimea

On 14 February 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Corporal Lendrim superintended 150 French Chasseurs in building No. 9 Battery left attack and replacing the whole of the capsized gabions under a heavy fire. On 11 April he got on top of a magazine under fire, and extinguished burning sandbags, making good the breach. On 20 April he was one of four volunteers who destroyed the screen which the Russians had erected to conceal their advance rifle-pits.

LLOYD, Owen Edward Pennefather   1893; Fort Sima, Burma (now Myanmar)

On 6 January 1893, during the Kachin Expedition, Burma (now Myanmar), while an attack was in progress on Fort Sima, Surgeon Major Lloyd went, with an Indian NCO to the assistance of the commanding officer who was wounded. Surgeon Major Lloyds then stayed with the officer while the NCO went back to fetch further help in carrying the wounded man back to the fort, where he died a few minutes later. The enemy were within 10 to 15 paces during this time, keeping up a heavy fire, and Surgeon Major Lloyd was wounded while returning to the fort.

LORD, David Samuel Anthony     1944; Arnhem, Holland

On 19 September 1944 at Arnhem, Holland, the British 1st Airborne Division were in desperate need of supplies. Flight Lieutenant Lord, flying a Dakota through intense enemy A.A. fire was twice hit, and had one engine burning. He managed to drop his supplies, but at the end of the run found that there were two containers remaining. Although he knew that one of his wings might collapse at any moment he nevertheless made a second run to drop the last supplies, then ordered his crew to bale out. A few seconds later the Dakota crashed in flames with its pilot.

LUCAS, Charles Davis       1854; Aland Islands, Finland

On 21 June 1854 in the Baltic, HMS Hecla, with two other ships, was bombarding Bomarsund, a fort in the Aland Islands, off Finland. The fire was returned from the shore, and at the height of the action a live shell landed on Hecla's upper deck, with its fuse still hissing. All hands were ordered to fling themselves flat on the deck, but Mr. Lucas with great presence of mind ran forward and hurled the shell into the sea, where it exploded with a tremendous roar before it hit the water. Thanks to Mr. Lucas's action no one was killed or seriously wounded. The first act of bravery to be rewarded with the VC.

LUCAS, John   1861;  New Zealand

On 18 March 1861 in New Zealand, Colour-Sergeant Lucas was with a party employed as skirmishers, when they were suddenly ambushed. Three men were wounded, two of them mortally and help was called for, but when a relief party arrived one of them fell and a lieutenant was also wounded. Sergeant Lucas, under heavy fire from the rebels, who were not more than 30 yards away, immediately ran to the assistance of the officer and sent a man with him to the rear. He then took charge of the arms, belonging to the killed and wounded until the arrival of support troops.

LYONS, John   1855; Sebastopol, Crimea

On 10 June 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Private Lyons picked up a live shell which had fallen among the guard of the trenches, and threw it over the parapet, thus saving many lives.

LYSTER, Harry Hammon  1858; Calpee, India

On 23 May 1858 at Calpee, India, Lieutenant Lyster charged alone and broke the skirmishing square of the retreating rebel army and killed two or three sepoys in the conflict.

MADDEN, Ambrose   1854;  Little Inkerman, Crimea

Birthplace: Cork, Ireland circa 1820 Wife: Bridget Furlong, they were married at Tuam, Galway, Ireland on 10 September 1847. Children: Two daughters

On 26 October 1854, in the Crimea, at Little Inkerman, Sergeant Madden headed a party of men of the 41st Regiment which cut off and took prisoner one Russian officer and 14 privates, three of whom were personally captured by the sergeant.

MAGENNIS, James Joseph    1945; Johore Straits, Singapore

MAGNER, Michael  1868;  Magdala, Abyssinia (now Ethiopia)

MAHONEY, Patrick 1857; Mungulwar, India

On 21 September 1857 at Mungulwar, India, Sergeant Mahone with the Volunteer Cavalry, helped in the capture of the Regimental Colour of the 1st Regiment Native Infantry. Killed in action, Lucknow, India - 30 Oct 1857

MANLEY, William George Nicholas  1864; Tauranga, New Zealand

On 29 April 1864 near Tauranga, New Zealand, during the assault on the Rebel Pah, Assistant Surgeon Manley risked his own life in an endeavour to save that of a naval officer and others. Having volunteered to accompany the storming party into the Pah, he attended the naval officer when he was carried away mortally wounded and then volunteered to return in order to see if he could find any more wounded. He was one of the last officers to leave the Bah.

MASTERSON, James Edward Ignatius    1900; Ladysmith, South Africa

On 6 January 1900 at Wagon Hill, Ladysmith, South Africa, Lieutenant Masterson was commanding one of the three companies of his regiment which captured a position held by the enemy. The companies were then exposed to very heavy fire from the right and left front, so the lieutenant undertook to get a message to the Imperial Light Horse, to fire to the left front in order to check the enemy's fire. To do this he had to cross an open space of 100 yards swept by heavy cross-fire, but although wounded in both thighs, he managed to deliver his message before falling, exhausted.

MAUDE, Frederick Francis  1855; Sebastopol, Crimea

On 5 September 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Lieutenant Colonel Maude was in charge of the covering and ladder party of the 2nd Division in the assault on the Redan. He held a position with only nine or ten men and did not retire until all hope of support was at an end and he himself was dangerously wounded.

McCORRIE (or McCURRY), Charles  1855; Sebastopol, Crimea

On 23 June 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Private McCorrie threw over the parapet a live shell which had been thrown from the enemy's battery.

McCUDDEN, James Thomas Byford     1917; France

During the period August 1917 to March 1918, on aerial patrols over France, Captain McCudden showed conspicuous bravery, exceptional perseverance and a high devotion to duty. As patrol leader he exercised the utmost skill not only in the manner in which he attacked and destroyed the enemy, but in the way in which, during aerial fights, he protected the newer members of his flight, thus keeping down the casualties to a minimum. By March 1918 he had accounted for 51 enemy aircraft, some single-handed, some while leading his men. As an example of his exploits, on 16 February 1918 he destroyed three two-seater aeroplanes in the morning patrol and added a fourth on his second sortie. Killed in action, Marquise, France - 9 Jul 1918

McFADZEAN, William Frederick    1916; Thiepval Wood, France

On 1 July 1916, near Thiepval Wood, France, in a concentration trench, a box of bombs being opened for distribution prior to an attack slipped down into the trench, which was crowded with men, and two of the safety pins fell out. Private McFadzean, instantly realizing the danger to his comrades, with heroic courage threw himself on the top of the bombs, which exploded, blowing him to pieces, but only one other man was injured. He well knew the danger, being himself a bomber, but without a moment's hesitation he gave his life for his comrades.

McGOVERN, John     1857; Delhi, India

On 23 June 1857 at Delhi, India, Private McGovern carried into the camp a wounded comrade under heavy fire from the enemy's battery at the risk of his own life. His gallantry was conspicuous during the whole period of these operations.

McGUIRE, James    1857; Delhi, India

On 14 September 1857 at Delhi, India, when the troops were waiting at the Kabul Gate, reserve ammunition was being carried up on to the ramparts to be put into a small magazine, but before it could be safely stowed away, three boxes exploded and two were set on fire by enemy shot. Sergeant McGuire and a drummer (RYAN, M.) who were part of the ammunition guard, seeing the danger of the fire spreading, seized the two boxes which were alight and threw them over the ramparts into the canal, thus saving many lives.

McHALE, Patrick      1857; Lucknow, India

On 2 October 1857 at Lucknow, India, Private McHale was the first man at the capture of one of the guns at the Cawnpore Battery. On 22 December he was the first to take possession of one of the guns which had sent several rounds of grape through his company. On every occasion of attack Private McHale was the first to meet the enemy, amongst whom he caused such consternation by the boldness of his attack that those who followed him had little to do. His daring and sustained bravery became a byword among his comrades.

McMANUS, Peter 1857; Lucknow, India

On 26 September 1857 at Lucknow, India, when a party of men was shut up and besieged in a house in the city, Private McManus stayed outside the house until he himself was wounded, and under cover of a pillar kept firing on the sepoys and prevented their rushing the house. He also, in conjunction with another private (RYAN, John) dashed into the street and took a wounded captain out of a dhooly and carried him into the house in spite of heavy fire in which the captain was again wounded. Killed in action, Allahabad, India - 27 Apr 1859

McMASTER, Valentine Munbee   1857; Lucknow, India

On 25 September 1857, at the relief of Lucknow, India, Assistant Surgeon McMaster showed great bravery in exposing himself to the fire of the enemy when bringing in and attending to the wounded.

McQUIRT, Bernard  1858; Rowa, India

On 6 January 1858 at the capture of the town of Rowa, India, Private McQuirt was dangerously wounded in a hand-to-hand fight with three men, of whom he killed one and wounded another. He himself was wounded by five sabre-cuts and a musket-shot.

McWHEENEY, William   1854; Sebastopol, Crimea

On 20 October 1854 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, a party of sharpshooters were being repulsed from the Quarries, and a private from the 44th Regiment was dangerously wounded. Sergeant McWheeney took the wounded man on his back and carried him to a place of safety under very heavy fire. On 5 December he saved the life of a corporal, bringing him in under fire and digging a slight cover with his bayonet, where the two of them remained until dark. On 18 June 1855 Sergeant McWheeney volunteered for the advanced guard in the Cemetery and was never absent from duty during the war.

MOFFAT, Martin  1918; Ledeghem, Belgium

On 14 October 1918 near Ledeghem, Belgium, Private Moffat was advancing with five others across the open when they suddenly came under heavy rifle fire at close range from a strongly held house. Rushing towards the house through a hail of bullets, Private Moffat threw bombs and then, working to the back of the house, rushed the door, killing two and capturing 30 of the enemy.

MOORE, Arthur Thomas   1857; Battle of Khoosh-ab, Persia

On 8 February 1857 at the Battle of Khoosh-ab, Persia, Lieutenant Moore who was Adjutant of the Regiment, was probably the first in the attack, but his horse, on leaping into the square, fell dead, crushing his rider and breaking his sword. Lieutenant Moore extricated himself, but he would almost certainly have lost his life had not another lieutenant (MALCOMSON, J.G.) fought his way to his dismounted comrade and carried him to safety. In this battle Lieutenant Moore also charged an infantry square of 500 Persians at the head of his regiment and jumped his horse over the enemy's bayonets.

MOORE, Hans Garrett    1877; Komgha, South Africa

On 29 December 1877 near Komgha, South Africa, during an action with the Gaikas, Major Moore saw that a private of the Frontier Mounted Police was unable to mount his horse and was left at the mercy of the enemy. Realising the danger, Major Moore rode back alone in the midst of the enemy, and continued in his efforts to save the man's life until the latter was killed. The major shot two and received an assegai in the arm during this gallant attempt. Buried at MountJeromeCemetery, Dublin, Ireland. Grave C 25/26 - 7903. Headstone.

MORROW, Robert    1915; Messines, Belgium

On 12 April 1915 near Messines, Belgium, Private Merrow rescued and carried to places of comparative safety several men who had been buried in the debris of trenches wrecked by shell fire. He carried out this work on his own initiative and under heavy fire from the enemy. Killed in action, St. Jan, Ypres Salient, Belgium - 26 Apr 1915

MOYNEY, John    1917; Broembeek, Belgium

On 12/13 September 1917 north of Broembeek, Belgium, Lance-Sergeant Moyney was in command of 15 men forming two advanced posts. Surrounded by the enemy he held his post for 96 hours, having no water and very little food. On the fifth day, on the enemy advancing to dislodge him, he attacked them with bombs, while also using his Lewis gun with great effect. Finding himself surrounded, he led his men in a charge through the enemy and reached a stream, where he and a private (WOODCOCK, T.) covered his party while they crossed unscathed, before crossing themselves under a shower of bullets.

MOYNIHAN, Andrew  1855;  Sebastopol, Crimea

On 8 September 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Sergeant Moynihan, who was with the storming party at the assault on the Redan, personally encountered and killed five Russians. He also rescued from near the Redan a wounded officer under very heavy fire.

MULLANE, Patrick  1880;  Maiwand, Afghanistan

On 27 July 1880 during the action at Maiwand, Afghanistan, Sergeant Mullane's battery was on the point of retiring and the enemy was within 10 or 15 yards when the sergeant ran back and picked up a wounded driver and placed him on the limber, where unfortunately he died almost immediately. Again, during the retreat, Sergeant Mullane volunteered to procure water for the wounded and succeeded in doing so by going into one of the villages in which so many men lost their lives.

MURPHY, Michael   1858;  Azumgurh, India

On 15 April 1858 near Azumgurh, India, when Koer Singh's army was being pursued, the adjutant of the 3rd Sikh Cavalry was wounded, dismounted and surrounded by the enemy. Farrier Murphy, together with a private (MORLEY, S.), immediately went to his aid. The farrier cut down several of the enemy and although he himself was severely wounded the two men never left the wounded officer, until further assistance arrived thereby saving him from being killed on the spot.

MURPHY, Thomas  1867;  Little Andaman, India

On 7 May 1867 at the island of Little Andaman, eastern India, in the Bay of Bengal, Private Murphy was one of a party of five (BELL, David, COOPER, J., DOUGLAS, C.M. and GRIFFITHS, W.) of the 2/24th Regiment, who risked their lives in manning a boat and proceeding through dangerous surf to rescue some of their comrades who had been sent to the island to find out the fate of the commander and seven of the crew, who had landed from the ship Assam Valley and were feared murdered by the cannibalistic islanders

MURRAY, James    1881;  Elandsfontein, South Africa

On 16 January 1881 at Elandsfontein, near Pretoria, South Africa, Lance-Corporal Murray, with a trooper of Nourse's Horse (DANAHER, J.) advanced for 500 yards under heavy fire from a party of about 60 of the enemy, and brought out of action a private who was severely wounded.

MURRAY, John    1864;  Tauranga, New Zealand

On 21 June 1864 at Tauranga, New Zealand, when the enemy's position was being stormed, Sergeant Murray ran up to a rifle-pit containing eight to ten of the enemy and, without any assistance, killed or wounded all of them. He then went on up the works, fighting with his bayonet.

MYLOTT, Patrick     1857;  Lucknow, India

From 12 July to 25 September 1857 in India, Private Mylott was conspicuous for gallant conduct - once for rushing across a road under a shower of musket balls to take an opposite enclosure, and at every engagement in which he was present with his unit.

NASH, William    1858;  Lucknow, India

On 11 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Corporal Nash's company was engaged with a large number of the enemy near the Iron Bridge. At one stage a captain (WILMOT, H.) found himself at the end of a street with only four of his men opposed to a considerable body of the enemy. One of the men was shot through both legs and Corporal Nash and a private (HAWKES, D.) (who was himself severely wounded) lifted the man up and they then carried him for a considerable distance, the captain covering the retreat of the party.

NELSON, David    1914;  Nery, France

On 1 September 1914 at Nery, France, Sergeant Nelson helped to bring the guns into action - with an officer (BRADBURY, E.K.) and a warrant officer (DORRELL, G.T.) - under heavy fire and in spite of being severely wounded. He remained with the guns until all the ammunition was expended, although he had been ordered to retire to cover. Killed in action, Lillers, France - 8 Apr 1918

NURSE, George Edward   1899;  Battle of Colenso, South Africa

On 15 December 1899, at the Battle of Colenso, South Africa, Corporal Nurse, with several others, tried to save the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field Artillery, when the detachments serving the guns had all become casualties or been driven from their guns. Some of the horses and drivers were sheltering in a donga about 500 yards behind the guns and the intervening space was swept with shell, and rifle fire. Corporal Nurse, with three officers (CONGREVE, W.N., ROBERTS, F.H.S. and SCHOFIELD, H.N.) helped to hook a team into a limber and then to line up a gun. Then, on his own, he managed to limber up a second gun.

O'CONNOR, Luke     1854;  Battle of the Alma, Crimea

On 20 September 1854, in the Crimea, at the Battle of the Alma, Sergeant O'Connor was advancing between two officers, carrying the Colour, when one of them was mortally wounded. Sergeant O'Connor was also shot at the same time, but recovering himself, he snatched up the Colour from the ground and continued to carry it until the end of the action, although urged to retire to the rear on account of his wounds. He also acted with great gallantry at the assault on the Redan (8 September 1855) where he was shot through both thighs.

O'HEA, Timothy      1866;  Danville, Canada

On 9 June 1866 at Danville, Quebec, Canada, a fire broke out in a railway car containing 2000lb. of ammunition, between Quebec and Montreal. The alarm was given and the car was disconnected at Danville Railway Station. While the sergeant in charge was considering what should be done, Private O'Hea took the keys from his hand, rushed to the car, opened it and called for water and a ladder. It was due to this man's example that the fire was suppressed.

OLPHERTS, William   1857;  Lucknow, India

On 25 September 1857 at Lucknow, India, when the troops penetrated into the city, Captain Olpherts charged on horseback with the 90th Regiment when they captured two guns in the face of very heavy fire of grape. Afterwards he returned under severe fire of musketry to bring up limbers and horses to carry off the captured ordnance.

O'SULLIVAN, Gerald Robert   1915;  Gallipoli, Turkey

On 1/2 July 1915 south-west of Krithia, Gallipoli, Turkey, Captain O'Sullivan volunteered to lead a party of bomb throwers to recapture a vital trench. He advanced in the open under very heavy fire and in order to throw his bombs with greater effect, got up on the parapet, completely exposed to the enemy occupying the position. He was finally wounded, but his example led his men to make further efforts which resulted in the recapture of the trench. Previously, on 18/19 June he had saved a critical situation by his gallantry and leadership. Killed in action, Suvla, Gallipoli, Turkey - 21 Aug 1915

OWENS, James   1854;  Sebastopol, Crimea

On 30 October 1854 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Corporal Owens greatly distinguished himself in a personal encounter with the Russians, and gave assistance to a lieutenant of his regiment.

PARK, John  1854;  Battle of the Alma, Crimea

On 20 September and 5 November 1854 at the Battle of the Alma and Inkerman, Crimea, Sergeant Park showed great bravery. On 19 April 1855 he also distinguished himself at the taking of the Russian Rifle Pits, during which he was severely wounded. He showed great resolution at both attacks on the Redan.

PEARSON, James 1858;  Jhansi, India

On 3 April 1858 at Jhansi, India, Private Pearson attacked a number of rebels, one of whom he killed and bayoneted two others. He was himself wounded in the attack. He also brought into Calpee, under heavy fire, a private who afterwards died of his wounds.

PROBYN, Dighton MacNaghton   1857;  Battle of Agra, India

On many occasions during the period 1857-58 in India, Captain Probyn performed gallant and daring acts. On one occasion, at the Battle of Agra, when his squadron charged the rebel infantry, he was sometimes separated from his men and surrounded by five or six Sepoys. He defended himself and, before his own men had joined him, had cut down two of his assailants.

PROSSER, Joseph      1855;  Sebastopol, Crimea

On 16 June 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, when on duty in the trenches, Private Prosser pursued and apprehended (while exposed to enemy cross-fire) a soldier in the act of deserting to the enemy. On 11 August he left the most advanced trench and helped to carry to safety a severely wounded soldier of the 95th Regiment who was unable to move. This act was performed under very heavy fire from the enemy.

PURCELL, John 1857;  Delhi, India

On 19 June 1857 at Delhi, India, when a wagon of one of the batteries was blown up and the horse of a brigadier was shot, Private Purcell with another private (HANCOCK, T.) and a sowar of the 4th Irregular Cavalry stayed with the officer until he could be dragged to safety by the sowar's horse. Private Purcell's horse was killed under him and the other private was severely wounded. Killed in action, Delhi, India - 19 Sep 1857

QUIGG, Robert      1916;  Hamel, France

On 1 July 1916, at Hamel, France, Rifleman Quigg advanced to the assault with his platoon three times. Early next morning hearing a rumour that his platoon officer was lying wounded, he went out seven times to look for him under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, each time bringing back a wounded man. The last man he dragged in on a waterproof sheet from within a few yards of the enemy's wire. He was engaged for seven hours in this most gallant work and finally was so exhausted that he had to give it up.

RAYMOND, Claude    1945;  Talaku, Burma (now Myanmar)

On 21 March 1945 at Talaku, Burma (now Myanmar), Lieutenant Raymond was second-in-command of a reconnaissance patrol when they were fired on by a strongly entrenched enemy detachment and the lieutenant at once led his men towards the position. He was first wounded in the shoulder and then in the head, but continued leading his men forward, when he was hit a third time, his wrist being shattered. He still carried on into the enemy defences where he was largely responsible for capturing the position. In spite of the gravity of his wounds, he refused medical aid until all the other wounded had received attention. He died next day.

REED, Hamilton Lyster  1899;  Battle of Colenso, South Africa

On 15 December 1899 at the Battle of Colenso, South Africa, when so many horses had become casualties, Captain Reed brought three teams from his battery in an attempt to save the remaining guns. The shell and rifle fire was intense and he was wounded almost at once, as were five of the 13 men who rode with him. One was killed and 13 horses (including his own) out of 21 were killed before he got half way to the guns, and he was forced to retire.

REYNOLDS, James Henry     1879;  Rorke's Drift, South Africa

On 22 and 23 January 1879, at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, Surgeon Major Reynolds attended the wounded under fire and voluntarily carried ammunition from the store to the defenders of the hospital, exposing himself to cross-fire from the enemy in doing so.

RICHARDSON, George    1859;  Kewane Trans-Gogra, India

On 27 April 1859 at Kewane Trans-Gogra, India, Private Richardson, although severely wounded in one arm, closed with and secured an armed rebel sepoy.

RIDGEWAY, Richard Kirby  1879;  Konoma, India

On 22 November 1879 during the final assault on Konoma, Eastern Frontier of India, under heavy fire from the enemy, Captain Ridgeway rushed up to a barricade and attempted to tear down the planking surrounding it to enable him to effect an entrance. While doing this he was wounded severely in the right shoulder.

ROBERTS, Frederick Hugh Sherston (The Hon.)   1899;  Battle of Colenso, South Africa

On 15 December 1899 at the Battle of Colenso, South Africa, Lieutenant Roberts, with several others, tried to save the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries, Royal Field Artillery, when the detachments serving the guns had all become casualties or been driven from their guns. Some of the horses and drivers were sheltering in a donga about 500 yards behind the guns and the intervening space was swept with shell and rifle fire. Lieutenant Roberts with two other officers (CONGREVE, W.N. and SCHOFIELD, H.N.) helped to hook a team into a limber and then to limber up a gun. While doing so, he fell badly wounded and later died of his wounds.

ROBERTS, Frederick Sleigh      1858;  Khodagunge, India

On 2 January 1858 at Khodagunge, India, on following up the retreating enemy, Lieutenant Roberts saw in the distance two sepoys going away with a standard. He immediately gave chase, overtaking them just as they were about to enter a village. Although one of them fired at him the lieutenant was not hit and he took possession of the standard, cutting down the man who was carrying it. He had also on the same day saved the life of a sowar who was being attacked by a sepoy.

ROBERTSON, Clement    1917;  Zonnebeke, Belgium

On 4 October 1917 at Zonnebeke, Belgium, Captain Robertson led his tanks in attack under heavy shell, machine-gun and rifle fire over ground which had been ploughed by shell-fire. He and his batman had spent the previous three days and nights going back and forth over the ground, reconnoitring and taping routes, and, knowing the risk of the tanks missing the way, he now led them on foot, guiding them carefully towards their objective, although he must have known that this action would almost certainly cost him his life. He was killed after the objective had been reached, but his skilful leading had already ensured success.

He is commemorated in his parish church at Delgany, County Wicklow and in Delgany Golf Club, of which he was a founder member, where his name is the first on the President's Cup. Ian Robertson (great nephew of Clement) thinks that Clarence's father, an officer in the Royal Artillery, may have been serving in South Africa when Clement was born on 15 December 1890. The family have lived in Ireland for many generations and Clement grew up in Delgany, although he went to school at Haileybury before attending Trinity College, Dublin.

RODDY, Patrick   1858;  Kuthirga, India

On 27 September 1858 on the return from Kuthirga, India of the Kupperthula Contingent, Ensign Roddy, who was serving with that force, charged an armed rebel whom the cavalry was afraid to approach, as each time they moved the rebel knelt, covering the horseman nearest him. This, however, did not deter Ensign Roddy, who went boldly in, and although his horse was shot under him and the rebel tried to cut him down the ensign seized and killed him with his sword.

ROGERS, Robert Montresor   1860;  Taku Forts, China

On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Lieutenant Rogers, together with a private (McDOUGALL, J.) of his regiment and a lieutenant of the 67th Regiment (LENON, E.H.) displayed great gallantry in swimming the ditches and entering the North Taku Fort by an embrasure during the assault. They were the first of the English troops established on the walls of the Fort.

RYAN, John  1857;  Lucknow, India

On 26 September 1857 at Lucknow, India, a party of men was shut up and besieged in a house in the city. Private Ryan, in conjunction with another private (McMANUS, P.), dashed into the street and took a wounded captain out of a dhooly and carried him into the house in spite of heavy fire in which the captain was again wounded. In addition to this Private Ryan devoted himself during the day to rescuing the wounded in the neighbourhood from being massacred. Killed in action, Cawnpore, India - 4 Mar 1858

RYAN, John  1863;  Cameron Town, New Zealand

On 7 September 1863 near Cameron Town, New Zealand, Lance-Corporal Ryan, with two privates, removed the body of a captain from the field of action after he had been mortally wounded and remained with it all night in the bush, surrounded by the enemy. Lance-Corporal Ryan was drowned in December of the same year, while trying to rescue a comrade.

RYAN, Miles 1857;  Delhi, India

On 14 September 1857 at Delhi, India, when the troops were waiting at the Kabul Gate, reserve ammunition was being carried up on to the ramparts to be put into a small magazine, but before it could be safely stowed away, three boxes exploded and two were set on fire by enemy shot. Drummer Ryan and a sergeant (McGUIRE, J.) who were part of the ammunition guard, seeing the danger of the fire spreading, seized the two boxes which were alight and threw them over the ramparts into the canal, thus saving many lives.

SCOTT, Robert     1900;  Caesar's Camp, South Africa

On 6 January 1900 during an attack on Caesar's Camp, Natal, South Africa, 16 men of "D" Company were defending one of the slopes of the hill. The defenders were under heavy fire all day, the majority being killed and their positions occupied by the enemy. At last only Private Scott and one other man (PITTS, J.) remained. They held their post for 15 hours without food or water, all the time exchanging deadly fire with the enemy, until relief troops had retaken the lost ground and pushed the enemy off the hill.

SINNOTT, John    1857;  Lucknow, India

On 6 October 1857 at Lucknow, India, Lance-Corporal Sinnott went out with two sergeants and a private to bring in a captain who had been mortally wounded while trying to extinguish a fire in the breastwork. They brought in the body under heavy fire and the lance-corporal was twice wounded. He had previously repeatedly accompanied the captain when he was attempting to extinguish the fire.

SLEAVON, Michael    1858;  Jhansi, India

On 3 April 1858 at Jhansi, India, Corporal Sleavon maintained his position at the head of a sap during the attack on the Fort and continued to work under a very heavy fire with cool and steady determination.

SMITH, Frederick Augustus    1864;  Tauranga, New Zealand

On 21 June 1864 at Tauranga, New Zealand, Captain Smith led an attack on the enemy's position and although wounded before reaching the rifle-pits, he jumped down and began a hand-to-hand encounter with the enemy, setting a fine example to his men.

SMITH, Philip   1855;  Sebastopol, Crimea

On 18 June 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Corporal Smith went out repeatedly in front of the advanced trenches against the Great Redan, under heavy fire, after the column had retired from the assault, and brought in wounded comrades.

SOMERS, James    1915;  Gallipoli, Turkey

On 1/2 July 1915, in Gallipoli, Turkey, when, owing to hostile bombing, some of our troops had retired from a sap, Sergeant Somers remained alone there until a party brought up bombs. He then climbed over into the Turkish trench and bombed the Turks with great effect. Later on, he advanced into the open under heavy fire and held back the enemy by throwing bombs into their flank until a barricade had been established. During this period, he frequently ran to and from our trenches to obtain fresh supplies of bombs.

STAGPOOLE, Dudley    1863;  Poutoko, New Zealand

On 2 October 1863 at Pontoko, New Zealand, Drummer Stagpoole volunteered to go with an ensign (DOWN, J.T.) to rescue a wounded comrade from the rebel natives. They succeeded in bringing in this wounded man who was lying about 50 yards from the bush, although the enemy kept up a very heavy fire at short range and from fallen logs close at hand.

SULLIVAN, John    1855;  Sebastopol, Crimea

On 10 April 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Boatswain's Mate Sullivan, as captain of one of the guns at Greenhill Battery, volunteered to place a flagstaff on a mound to act as an aiming point. He carried out this dangerous task undeterred by continuous fire from enemy sharpshooters, and his action enabled the battery to open fire on hitherto concealed enemy guns which were doing great damage to some of the advanced works.

TEMPLE, William  1863;  Rangiriri, New Zealand

On 20 November 1863 at Rangiriri, New Zealand, during an assault on the enemy's position, Assistant Surgeon Temple, together with another officer (PICKARD, A.F.) exposed themselves to imminent danger in crossing the entrance to the Maori keep at a point upon which the enemy were concentrating their fire, in order to render assistance to the wounded. Both officers showed great calmness under most trying circumstances.

TRAVERS, James  1857;  Indore, India

In July 1857 when the Presidency at Indore, India, was suddenly attacked by the enemy, Colonel Travers charged the guns with only five men to support him, and drove the gunners from the guns. This created a diversion so that many of the Europeans who were fugitives to the Presidency were able to escape from slaughter. Time was also gained for the faithful Bhopal Infantry to man their guns.

TRAYNOR, William Bernard   1901;  Bothwell Camp, South Africa

On 6 February 1901 at Bothwell Camp, South Africa, during a night attack, Sergeant Traynor ran out of a trench, under extremely heavy fire, to help a wounded man. While running he was wounded, and being unable to carry the man himself called for assistance. A lance-corporal came to him and between them they carried the wounded soldier into shelter. Afterwards, in spite of his wounds, Sergeant Traynor remained in command of his section, encouraging his men until the attack failed.

WALKER, Mark   1854;  Inkerman, Crimea

On 5 November 1854 at Inkerman, Crimea, Lieutenant Walker jumped over a wall in the face of two battalions of Russian Infantry which were marching towards it. This act was to encourage the men, by example, to advance against such odds - which they did and succeeded in driving back both battalions.

WARD, Joseph  1858;  Gwalior, India

On 17 June 1858 at Gwalior, India, Sergeant Ward - together with a captain (HENEAGE, C.W.), a farrier (HOLLIS, G.) and a private (PEARSON, John) - was in a gallant charge made by a squadron of the 8th Hussars when, supported by a division of the Bombay Horse Artillery and the 95th Regiment, they routed the enemy. Charging through a rebel camp into two batteries, they captured and brought into their own camp two of the enemy's guns, under a heavy and converging fire from the fort and town.

WHIRLPOOL, Frederick   1858;  Jhansi, India  (Born CONKER, alias JAMES, Frederick Humphrey)

On 3 April 1858 in the attack on Jhansi, India, Private Whirlpool volunteered to return and carry to safety several killed and wounded. He did this twice under very heavy fire. On 2 May he rushed to the rescue of a lieutenant of his regiment who was dangerously wounded. Private Whirlpool himself received 17 severe wounds, one of which nearly severed his head from his body. The gallant example shown by this man was considered to have greatly contributed to the success of the day.

WHITE, George Stuart      1879;  Charasiah, Afghanistan

On 6 October 1879 at Charasiah, Afghanistan, Major White led an attack on a strongly fortified hill where the enemy force outnumbered the major's by about eight to one. When his men became exhausted and immediate action seemed necessary, he took a rifle and, running forward alone, shot the enemy leader. This decided the issue and the enemy fled. Again, at the battle of Kandahar Major White led the final charge and personally captured one of the two guns held by the enemy, immediately after which the latter retired.

WRIGHT, Alexander   1855;  Sebastopol, Crimea

On 22 March 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Private Wright distinguished himself in repelling a sortie. On 19 April he showed great bravery at the taking of the Russian Rifle Pits and was particularly noticed for the encouragement he gave the other men while holding the Pits under very heavy fire; he was wounded in this action. He again showed great courage on 30 August 1855, and throughout the war.

YOUNG, Alexander 1901;  Ruiterskraal, South Africa

On 13 August 1901 at Ruiterskraal, South Africa, towards the close of the action, Sergeant-Major Young, with a handful of men, rushed some kopjes which were being held by about 20 Boers. On reaching their objective, the enemy were seen galloping back to another kopje held by the Boers. Sergeant-Major Young then galloped on some 50 yards ahead of his party and closing with the enemy, shot one of them and captured the commandant, the latter firing three times at point-blank range before being taken prisoner. Killed in action, Somme, France - 19 Oct 1916

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IN : IRELAND

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