John Augustus Conolly
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John Augustus Conolly VC, (May 30, 1829-December 23, 1888), was born Cliff, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, 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.
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He was 25 years old, and a lieutenant in the 49th Regiment (later The Royal Berkshire Regiment - Princess Charlotte of Wales's), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 26 October 1854 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, an attack by the Russians was repulsed and the enemy fell back pursued by men of the 49th Regiment, led by Lieutenant Conolly, whose gallant behaviour was most conspicuous in this action. He ultimately fell, dangerously wounded, while in personal encounter with several Russians, in defence of his post.
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He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He died in the magistrates house Curragh Camp, Co Kildare, 23 December 1888.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Grenadier Guards RHQ) (London, England).
[edit] References
Listed in order of publication year
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
- Irelands VCs (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
