Luke O'Connor

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Luke O'Connor (VC, KCB) (20 February 1831- 1 February 1915) was born in Elphin, County Roscommon 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. The VC did not exist at the time of O'Connor's endeavours, but so memorable were they that he was the first to be awarded the VC. O'Connor is one of the most decorated servicemen ever to have served in the British Army. His only award for gallantry, though, was the Victoria Cross.

He was 23 years old, and a sergeant in the 23rd Regiment (later The Royal Welch Fusiliers), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 20 September 1854, in the Crimea, at the Battle of the Alma, Sergeant O'Connor was advancing between two officers, carrying the Colour, when one of them was mortally wounded. Sergeant O'Connor was also shot at the same time, but recovering himself, he snatched up the Colour from the ground and continued to carry it until the end of the action, although urged to retire to the rear on account of his wounds. He also acted with great gallantry at the assault on the Redan (8 September 1855) where he was shot through both thighs.

First man of the Army to perform an action subsequently rewarded with the VC. He later achieved the rank of Major General. He died Charges Street, London 1 February 1915. Grave/Memorial: St Mary's (RC) cemetery Kensal Rise, London.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum (Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, Wales).