Francis Fitzpatrick
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Francis Fitzpatrick VC (1859-10 July 1933) born Tullycorbet, County Monaghan, he 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 about 20 years old, and a Private in the 94th Regiment (later The Connaught Rangers), British Army during the Basuto War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 28 November 1879 during an attack on Sekukuni's Town, South Africa, Private Fitzpatrick and another private (Thomas Flawn) with six men of the Native Contingent, were with a lieutenant of the 1st Dragoon Guards when he was badly wounded. The natives carried the wounded officer at first, but when the party was pursued by about 30 of the enemy they deserted and the lieutenant would have been killed but for the gallantry of the two privates - one carrying him and the other covering the retreat and firing on the enemy.
[edit] Further information
He died in Ireland 1933
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, 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)
