George Alexander Renny
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George Alexander Renny (May 12, 1825 - January 5, 1887) was a 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.
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He was 32 years old, and a lieutenant in the Bengal Horse Artillery, Indian Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 16 September 1857 at Delhi, India, after the capture of the magazine, vigorous attacks were made on the post by the enemy, who under cover of heavy cross-fire, set fire to a thatched roof. This fire was extinguished, but the roof was again set alight and Lieutenant Renny, with great gallantry, mounted to the top of the wall of the magazine and flung several sticks of shells with lighted fuses into the midst of the enemy, with immediate effect. The attacks became feeble and soon ceased altogether.
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He later achieved the rank of major general.
In 1849 he had married Flora Hastings Macwhirter, the daughter of Dr John Macwhirter, late President of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Artillery Museum (Woolwich, England).
