Charles Irwin

Charles Irwin
Born 1824
Manorhamilton, County Leitrim
Died 8 April 1873 (aged 4849)
Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh
Buried at Saint Mark's Churchyard, Magheraveely
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Rank Private
Unit
Battles/wars
Awards Victoria Cross

Charles Irwin VC (1824 8 April 1873) was born in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim and 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

Irwin was approximately 33 years old, and a private in the 53rd Regiment of Foot (later The King's Shropshire Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 16 November 1857 at the Relief of Lucknow for which he was awarded the VC:

53rd Regiment, Private C. Irwin.

Date of Act of Bravery, 16th November, 1857

For conspicuous bravery at the assault of the Secundra Bagh, at Lucknow, on the 16th of November, 1857. Although severely wounded through the right shoulder, he was one of the first men of the 53rd Regiment, who entered the buildings under a very severe fire. Elected by the private soldiers of the Regiment.[1]

Further information

Service Record:

His entry in the Canon Lummis files states that: "Judging from numerous entries in the muster roles as to imprisonment, he appears to have been a bad hat."

He died on 29 March 1873 at Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, Ireland and was buried in Saint Mark's Churchyard (Aghadrumsee) Magheraveely, County Fermanagh.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The King's Shropshire Light Infantry Museum.

References

Listed in order of publication year

External links


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, February 08, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.