Joel Holmes

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Joel Holmes (1821 - July 27, 1872) was an English 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.

[edit] Details

He was about 36 years old, and a private in the 84th Regiment (later The 2nd Bn , York and Lancaster Regiment), British Army during the Indian rebellion of 1857 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 25 September 1857 at Lucknow, India, Private Holmes was the first man to respond to a call for volunteers to assist in working under very heavy enemy fire one of the guns from which all the artillerymen had become casualties.

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The York & Lancaster Regiment Museum (Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England).

[edit] External links

• Location of grave and VC medal (West Yorkshire)