Denis Dempsey
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Denis Dempsey (1826- 10 January 1896) born Rathmichael, Bray, County Wicklow 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.
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[edit] Details
He was approximately 31 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 10th Regiment of Foot (laterThe Lincolnshire Regiment), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 12 August 1857 at Lucknow, India, Private Dempsey carried a powder-bag through a burning village for the purpose of mining a passage in the rear of the enemy's position. During this time he was exposed to very heavy fire and to a still greater danger from the sparks which flew from the blazing houses. He was the first man to enter the village of Jugdispore on that day under most galling fire. On 14 March 1858 in the retreat from Arrah he helped to carry an ensign who was mortally wounded, for two miles.
[edit] Further information
He died Toronto, Canada, 10 January 1886, and is buried in Saint Patrick's Cemetery, Toronto.
[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)
