John McGovern (soldier)
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John McGovern VC (May 16, 1825- 22 November 1888) (Also known as McGOWAN) was born in the parish of Templeport in Tullyhaw, County Cavan, 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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[edit] Details
He was 32 years old, and a private in the 1st Bengal Fusiliers (later The Royal Munster Fusiliers), Indian Army during the Indian rebellion of 1857 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 23 June 1857 at Delhi, India, Private McGovern carried into the camp a wounded comrade under heavy fire from the enemy's battery at the risk of his own life. His gallantry was conspicuous during the whole period of these operations.
[edit] Further information
He died in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on 22 November 1888.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England).
[edit] References
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
