Alexander Wright (VC)

Alexander Wright

Depiction of the Siege of Sebastopol
Born 1826
Ballymena, County Antrim
Died 28 July 1858 (aged 3132)
Calcutta, India
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Rank Private
Unit 77th (East Middlesex) Regiment of Foot
Battles/wars
Awards Victoria Cross

Alexander Wright VC (1826 28 July 1858) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was about 29 years old, and a private in the 77th (East Middlesex) Regiment of Foot (later The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own)), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 22 March 1855 at the Siege of Sebastopol, in the Crimean Peninsula, 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.[1]

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires) Museum in Dover Castle, England.

References


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