|
|
Post by groundhog on Sept 25, 2011 23:27:36 GMT
Lucknow, India
26th September 1857
William Bradshaw Home and Bradshaw winning their VCs at Lucknow William Bradshaw was born in Thurles, Co. Tipperary on 12th February 1830. On 26th September 1857 he was Assistant Surgeon of the 90th Regiment of Foot. As their battalion advanced towards the Residency in Lucknow the wounded were left behind in the care of Bradshaw, the Regimental Surgeon, Home and the native stretcher bearers. Under fire and at times cut off from their own troops, Bradshaw and Home led the party of stretcher bearers and wounded into Lucknow. Both men were awarded a Victoria Cross. William Bradshaw returned home to Thurles and he died there on 9th March 1861. He is buried in St Mary's Churchyard. His VC is on display at the Army Medical Services Museum in Aldershot. Thomas Duffy Thomas Duffy was born in Athlone, Co. Westmeath in 1806. On 26th September 1857 he was a Private in 1st Madras Fusiliers at Lucknow. A 24-pounder gun which had been used against the enemy on the previous day was left in an exposed position and under heavy fire from the mutineers. Thomas Duffy, fastened a rope to the gun so that it could be pulled away and was saved from falling into the hands of the enemy. He was awarded a Victoria Cross for this act. Thomas Duffy died in Dublin on 23rd December 1868 and he is buried in an unmarked grave in Glasnevin Cemetery. His VC is on display in the National Army Museum in London. Peter McManus Peter McManus was born in Tynan, Co. Armagh in March 1829. On 26th September 1857 he was a Private in the 5th Regiment of Foot at Lucknow. McManus assisted Pte John Ryan in rescuing a wounded officer, Captain Arnold of the Madras Fusiliers, from the street and carried him into a house. Arnold was wounded again on the way and later died. With a group of men besieged in the house, McManus stayed outside under cover of a pillar, preventing the mutineers from rushing his position. Eventually he was himself wounded. For his courage Peter McManus was awarded a Victoria Cross and promoted to Sergeant. Peter McManus died of smallpox at Allahabad on the 27th April 1859. He is believed to be buried in a mass grave there. His VC is on display at the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers Museum, Alnwick Castle John Ryan John Ryan was born in Kilkenny in 1823. On 26th September 1857 he was a Private in the 1st Madras Fusiliers at Lucknow. Assisted by Peter McManus he attempted the rescue of Capt Arnold. Several times during the day he several times left cover to assist wounded men. Like Peter McManus, John Ryan was awarded a Victoria Cross and promoted to Sergeant. John Ryan was killed in action at Cawnpore on 4th March 1858. He is buried in the Old British Cemetery, Cawnpore. His VC is on display in the National Army Museum in London. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Sept 25, 2011 23:33:47 GMT
Frederick Edwards
Thiepval, France
26th September 1916 [/b] Frederick Edwards was born at Queenstown (now Cobh), Co. Cork on 3rd October 1894. His father was in the Royal Artillery. Edwards was educated in the Royal Hibernian Military School and joined the Royal Artillery in 1908. He transferred to the Middlesex Regt. On 26th September 1916 his battalion, 12th Bn, The Middlesex Regiment was tasked with taking the village of Thiepval during the Battle of the Somme. His unit was held up by machine-gun fire and, with all the officers dead or wounded there was confusion and a danger of the troops retreating. Edwards attacked the MG position single-handed and destroyed it with grenades. The advance continued across a mile of ground due to Edward's heroism and he was awarded a Victoria Cross. Frederick Edwards transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and was promoted Sergeant. He was captured by the Germans in March 1918 but survived the war and died in London on 9th March 1964. He is buried in Richmond, Surrey. His VC is on display at the National Army Museum.
|
|
|
|
Post by TallyhoBob on Sept 28, 2011 20:43:23 GMT
Major Harold Marcus Ervine-Andrews Major Harold Marcus Ervine-Andrews, East Lancashire Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross in July, 1940, one of the first two Army V.C.s of the Second World War  Harold Marcus Ervine-Andrews Rank: Lieutenant Acting Captain Unit: The East Lancashire Regiment, British Army Awarded: 6th August 1940 Nationality: Irish The citation in the London Gazette of 30th July, 1940, gives the following details: Quote: For most conspicuous gallantry on active service on the night of the 31st May/1st June 1940. Captain Ervine-Andrews took over about a thousand yards of the defences in front of Dunkirk, his line extending along the Canal de Bergues, and the enemy attacked at dawn. For over ten hours, notwithstanding intense artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire, and in the face of vastly superior enemy forces, Captain Ervine-Andrews and his company held their position. The enemy, however, succeeded in crossing the canal on both flanks; and, owing to superior enemy forces, a company of Captain Ervine-Andrews' own battalion, which was despatched to protect his flanks; was, unable to gain contact with him. There being danger of one of his platoons being driven in, he called for volunteers to fill the gap, and then, going forward, climbed on to the top of a straw-roofed barn, from which he engaged the enemy with rifle and light automatic fire, though, at the time, the enemy were sending mortar-bombs and armour-piercing bullets through the roof. Captain Ervine-Andrews personally accounted for seventeen of the enemy with his rifle, and for many more with a Bren gun. Later, when the house which he held had been shattered by enemy fire and set alight, and all his ammunition had been expended, he sent back his wounded in the remaining carrier. Captain Ervine-Andrews then collected the remaining eight men of his company from this forward position, and when almost completely surrounded, led them back to the cover afforded by the company in the rear, swimming or wading up to the chin in water for over a mile; having brought all that remained of 'his company safely back, he once again took up position. Throughout this action, Captain Ervine-Andrews displayed courage, tenacity, and devotion to duty, worthy of the highest traditions of the British Army, and his magnificent example imbued his own troops with the dauntless fighting spirit which he himself displayed. Additional Infomation: Harold Marcus Ervine-Andrews was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Major Ervine-Andrews was born in County Wexford in 1911(though Wikipedia states Keadue County Cavan as his Birthplace), and served on the North-West Frontier of India in 1936-7. He was Mentioned in Despatches and holds the medal with clasp for that campaign. |
|
|
|
Post by TallyhoBob on Sept 28, 2011 21:04:52 GMT
Captain Edward Stephen Fogarty Fegen, R.N., Captain Edward Stephen Fogarty Fegen, R.N., was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1940. He was the third Irishman to receive the award in this war. Quote: Captain Fogarty Fegen was Commander of the armed merchant cruiser “Jervis Bay”, escorting thirty-eight merchantmen in the North Atlantic, when a powerful German warship was sighted. Captain Fogarty Fegen drew out from the convoy and made straight for the enemy. He brought his ship between the raider and the convoy so that the merchant ships were able to scatter. Thirty-three of them were saved. For nearly an hour the “Jervis Bay” held the enemy fire. She then blew up and sank, and Captain Fogarty Fegen went down with this ship. Captain Fogarty Fegen was born in 1892, son of the late Vice-Admiral Fogarty Fegen. He came from Ballinonty, Co. Tipperary. In the 1st World War he was a destroyer Commander. After the war, while on the China Station as Commander of H.M.S. “Suffolk”, he won commendation for rescuing fourteen of the crew of the German motor-ship “Hedwig” which had run aground in rough weather. CWGC :: Casualty Details Captain EDWARD STEPHEN FOGARTY FEGEN V C, H.M.S. Jervis Bay, Royal Navy who died age 49 on 05 November 1940 Son of Frederick Fogarty Fegen and Catherine Mary Fegen, of Knightsbridge, London. Remembered with honour CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL Grave/Memorial Reference: 34, 1. |
|
|
|
Post by TallyhoBob on Sept 28, 2011 21:19:51 GMT
Captain J.J.B. Jackman, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers Captain J.J.B. Jackman, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, was awarded the Victoria Cross. Quote: At Ed Duda,South East of Tobruk, on November 25th, 1941, Captain Jackman was in command of a machine-gun company of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers during the tank attack on Ed Duda ridge. As the tanks reached the crest they met intense fire from a large number of guns of all types. Slowed to hull-down position, the tanks settled to beat down enemy fire. Captain Jackman pushed on up the ridge. Seeing that enemy anti-tank guns were firing on the flanks of our tanks, also rows of batteries to the front, he got his guns in position and secured the right flank. Then, standing up in his truck, he led his trucks across the front between our tanks and the enemy guns to get them into action on the left flank. Throughout he coolly directed the guns to their positions and indicated targets. Later he was killed while still inspiring everyone by his bearing. Captain Jackman was born in 1917 at Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 19, 2011 12:32:16 GMT
Patrick Roddy
Kuthirga, India
27th September 1858 Model of an Officer of the Bengal Artillery during the Indian Mutiny Patrick Roddy was born in Elphin, Co. Roscommon on 17th March 1827. He enlisted in the Bengal artillery and fought at Lucknow in 1857 where he must have distinguished himself because in February 1858 he was commissioned. On September 27th 1858 he was at Kuthirga with the Kupperthula Contingent, Bengal Army. A lone mutineer was holding up the advace of a group of cavalry with his musket. Roddy charged the man who shot Roddy's horse from under him. Roddy was trapped by the fallen animal the mutineer tried to club him with his musket. However the Ensign managed to stab him with his sword and for his bravery was awarded a Victoria Cross. Patrick Roddy continued to serve in India and also fought in Abyssinia in 1868. After 40 years service he retired, a Colonel. He died in Jersey on 21st November 1895 and is buried in Mount A'Labbe Cemetery, St Helier. His medal is in private ownership. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 19, 2011 12:49:55 GMT
Bolandshahr, India
28th September 1857
Patrick Donoghue [/b] Patrick Donoghue (or Donohoe) was born in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary in 1820. On 28th September 1857 he was a Private in the 9th Lancers. Frustrated at the infantry attack on the town of Bolandshahr, the CO of the Lancers ordered his men to charge into the town. During the fighting Donoghue went to the assistance of Lt. Blair who had been wounded and unhorsed and brought him to safety through a force of enemy cavalry. He was awarded a Victoria Cross, one of five to the 9th Lancers on the day. Patrick Donoghue died in Ashbourne Co. Meath on 16th August 1876 and he is buried in Donaghmore Roman Catholic Churchyard. His Victoria Cross is in private ownership in Canada. Recent research in the US reveals the possibility that Patrick Donoghue's brother Timothy may have won a Medal of Honour in the American Civil War. That would be a unique family achievement. www.victoriacross.org.uk/bbdonoho.htmBernard Diamond Bernard Diamond was born in Portglenone, Co. Antrim in January 1827. On 28th September 1857 he was a Sergeant in the Bengal Horse Artillery and engaged in an attack on the town of Bolandshahr. Under heavy fire all the members of his battery were killed or wounded except himself an one other man. The two continued to fire their gun, clearing the road for the attacking troops. Sgt Diamond was awarded a Victoria Cross. He subsequently emigrated to New Zealand and died there in Masterton on 25th January 1892. He is buried in Masterton Cemetery. His Victoria Cross is on display at the National Army Museum, Waiouru, New Zealand Richard Fitzgerald Richard Fitzgerald was born in Cork in December 1831. On 28th September 1857 he was a Private in the Bengal Horse Artillery. Along with Sgt Diamond he manned his gun when all the rest of the battery were dead or wounded and he was also awarded a Victoria Cross. Fitzgerald is believed to have died in India about 1884. His burial place is unknown. His Victoria Cross and Mutiny Medal are on display in Bristol Museum & Art Gallery although in the book Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross it is said to have been destroyed in a bombing raid during World War II. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 20, 2011 1:08:36 GMT
Henry Kelly
Le Sars, France
4th October 1916 Henry Kelly was born in Manchester on 10th July 1887, the son of Charles Kelly from Dublin. He worked as a clerk in the Post Office and joined the Territorial Army. When war broke out he joined the Cameron Highlanders as a Private. With the rapid expansion of the army he was very soon a Sergeant Major in the Manchester Regiment. He was commissioned into the Duke of Wellington's Regt in May 1915. On 4th October 1916 he was a Second Lieutenant and part of an attack on a German trench at Le Sars during the Battle of the Somme. With the attack faltering he twice rallied his company to renew the assault and finally led three men into an enemy trench in an attempt to capture it. Two men were killed and German reinforcements drove them back. Kelly carried a wounded CSM back with him and rescued three other men. His actions led to the award of the Victoria Cross as well as a Belgian and a French decoration. Later in the war Capt Henry Kelly fought in Italy with the 10th Bn, Duke of Wellington's Regt. In June 1918 he was awarded a Military Cross for leading a raid on an enemy trench. On 27th October 1918 he led an attack across the River Piave for which he was awarded a Bar to his MC. Kelly left the army in 1920 as a Major. He fought in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, picking up a Spanish Medal and then re-joined the British Army on the outbreak of WW2. In February 1944 he was court martialled for falsely claiming expenses while using military transport. He subsequently resigned his commission and went back to work for the Post Office. After a long illness, Henry Kelly died on the 18th January 1960. He is buried in Manchester Southern Cemetery. His Victoria Cross is displayed in The Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum, Halifax, Yorkshire. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 20, 2011 1:31:28 GMT
Clement Robertson
Zonnebeke, Belgium
4th October 1917 Clement Robertson was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa on December 15th 1890 where his father was serving as a Captain in the Royal Artillery. The family home was in Delgany, Co. Wicklow and Robertson grew up there. On 4th October 1917 he was a Captain in the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, attached to the Tank Corps. His tanks were scheduled to attack the German lines at Zonnebeke in the Ypres Salient as part of the Battle of Passchendaele. Capt Robertson and his Batman spent three days recce-ing the route to the objective. During the attack, which was over boggy ground, Robertson led his tanks on foot in order to ensure that they did not lose the track. Capt Robertson was killed during this attack and was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. He is buried in Oxford Road CWGC Cemetery and is also commemorated in the parish church in Delgany, in Trinity College, Dublin and in Delgany Golf Club. His Victoria Cross is in private ownership. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 21, 2011 11:20:26 GMT
John Sinnott
Lucknow, India
6th October 1857 John Sinnott was born in Wexford in 1829. On 6th October 1857 he was a Lance Corporal in the 84th Foot at the siege of Lucknow. While putting out a fire on the parapet Lt. Gibaut was mortally wounded and fell outside the defences. Sgts Glinn and Mullins, L/Cpl Sinnott and Pte Mullins went out to retrieve the body under fire and carried it back inside the compound. Sinnott was wounded twice in the action. He was elected by his comrades to receive a Victoria Cross. John Sinnott later made it to the rank of Sergeant. He died in London on 20th July 1896 and is buried in Battersea New Cemetery. His Victoria Cross is on display in the The York & Lancaster Regiment Museum, Rotherham, Yorkshire. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 21, 2011 11:21:51 GMT
George White
Charasiah, Afghanistan
6th October 1879 George White was born in Portstewart, Co. Derry on 6th July 1835. He attended Sandhurst and was commissioned in the 27th Foot (Inniskilling Fusiliers) in 1853. He served with them in the Indian Mutiny. By 1879 he was 2 i/c of the 92nd Foot (Gordon Highlanders) in the Second Afghan War. On 6th October 1879 at Charasiah he led two companies of Highlanders in an attack on a hill which was heavily defended. Near the enemy position he made a solo charge on the Afghans and killed their leader. The Afghans fled and the Gordons took the hill. White was awarded the Victoria Cross. He went on to high command in India, the rank of Field Marshal, a Knighthood and served as Governor of Gibraltar. In the Boer War he commanded the besieged garrison of Ladysmith. From 1905 he was Governor of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. He died there on 24th June 1912. He was buried in the family plot in Broughshane, Co. Antrim. His Victoria Cross is displayed in the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen.
|
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 21, 2011 17:58:45 GMT
Charles Anderson
India
8th October 1858 Charles Anderson was born in Liverpool in 1827. His parents were from Dublin. On 8th October 1858 he was a Private in the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays) during the Indian Mutiny when he and another man came to the rescue of their Colonel who had been unhorsed and was under attack from a large group of mutineers. Both men were awarded a Victoria Cross. Charles Anderson died at Seaham Habour, Durham on 19th April 1899. His Victoria Cross is displayed in 1st, The Queen's Dragoon Guards Museum, Cardiff Castle. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 21, 2011 18:19:58 GMT
Edward Brown
Geluk, South Africa
13th October 1900 Edward Brown was born in Dagshai, India on 6th March 1861, the son of Major David Brown, 7th Hussars. The Browns were from Castle Sallagh, Co. Wicklow. Edward Brown was commissioned as Lieutenant in the 18th Hussars in November, 1883. On 13th October 1900 he was a Major in the 14th Hussars in action at Geluk, South Africa during the Boer War. Under heavy machine gun fore fro the Boers, Brown rescued two men who had been dismounted and also assisted Lt. Browne in mounting his horse which was terrified and in danger of bolting without its rider. Major Brown was awarded a Victoria Cross. Edward Brown later rose to the rank of Colonel. He took the name of his Uncle in 1904 becoming Edward Browne-Synge-Hutchinson. He died in London 3rd March 1940 and is buried in Golders Green, Crematorium. His Victoria Cross is on display in the 14th/20th King's Hussars Museum, Preston, Lancashire. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 31, 2011 16:29:29 GMT
Charles Fitzclarence
Mafeking, South Africa
14th October 1899  Charles Fitzclarence was born in Bishopscourt, Co. Kildare on 8th May 1865. He was one of twin sons of Capt George Fitzclarence and his wife Maria. His twin brother was named Edward. On 14th October 1899 he was a Captain in the Royal Fusiliers attached to the Protectorate Regiment, a poorly trained and inexperienced unit at Mafeking, South Africa. Capt Fitzclarence led his unit to the assistance of an armoured train which had been ambushed by the Boers. His squadron was surrounded and in danger of annihilation. Fitzclarence however succeeded in relieving the armoured train and inflicted heavy losses on the Boers. Capt Fitzclarence performed two other acts of great courage in attacking Boer positions near Mafeking on the 27th October and again on the 26th December. He was wounded on both those occasions and was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross. Charles Fitzclarence transferred to the newly formed Irish Guards in October 1900 and became Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion in 1909. On the outbreak of the Great War he was a Brigadier General and Officer Commanding 1st Guards Brigade. He was Killed in Action at Polygon Wood on 2nd November 1914. Brigadier General Charles Fitzclarence is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial. His Victoria Cross forms part of the Ashcroft Collection and is on display in the Imperial War Museum in London. |
|
|
|
Post by groundhog on Oct 31, 2011 17:32:11 GMT
Martin Moffat
Ledeghem, Belgium
14th October 1918 Martin Moffat was born in Sligo on 15th April 1882. He enlisted in the Connaught Rangers and later transferred as a Private to 2nd Bn, Leinster Regiment. On 14th October 1918 he was in action near Ledeghem, Belgium. 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 into the house and then, working to the back of the house, rushed the door, killing two and capturing 30 of the enemy. He was awarded a Victoria Cross. Martin Moffat drowned off the coast of Sligo on 5th January 1946 and he is buried in Sligo Town Cemetery. His VC and is on display at the Lord Ashcroft VC Gallery in the Imperial War Museum, London. |
|
