John Byrne (VC)
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John Byrne | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 1832 Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Died | 10 July 1879 (aged 46) Caerleon, Monmouthshire, Wales |
| Buried | St Woolos Cemetery, Wales |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1850–1872 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 68th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles / wars | Crimean War New Zealand Wars |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal |
John Byrne, VC, DCM (September 1832 – 10 July 1879) was a British Army soldier and an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Byrne was born at Castlecomer, County Kilkenny in Ireland, in September 1832.
Byrne was about 22 years old, and a private in the 68th Regiment of Foot (later The Durham Light Infantry), British Army during the Crimean War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Inkerman on 5 November 1854 on the Crimean Peninsula. When his regiment was ordered to retire, Private Byrne went back towards the enemy, and, at the risk of his own life, brought in a wounded soldier, under fire. On 11 May 1855 he bravely engaged in a hand-to-hand contest with one of the enemy on the parapet of the work he was defending, prevented the entrance of the enemy, killed his antagonist, and captured his arms.[1]
He later achieved the rank of sergeant. He died, aged 46, in Newport, Wales.[2]