John McGovern (soldier)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Photo by Bruce Gall - Jan 2002
Enlarge
Photo by Bruce Gall - Jan 2002

John McGovern VC (May 16, 1825- 22 November 1888) (Also known as McGOWAN) was born in Templeport, County Cavan, Ireland, 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.

Contents

[edit] Details

He was 32 years old, and a private in the 1st Bengal Fusiliers (later The Royal Munster Fusiliers), Indian Army during the Indian rebellion of 1857 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

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.

[edit] Further information

He died in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on 22 November 1888.

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England).

[edit] References

Listed in order of publication year

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.