John Pearson (VC)

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John Pearson VC (19 January 1825--18 April 1892) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth forces.

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John Pearson was born 19 January 1825 in Leeds, Yorkshire, England; died 18 April 1892 in Lion's Head, Eastnor Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario. He married (1) Selina Smart in the General Baptist Church in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England on 6th April 1851. At that time he is shown as age 25 a Private in the Eighth Hussars, living in the Barracks in Trowbridge, the son of Stephen Pearson, a gardener. Selina Smart is shown as age 20, a Spinster, a Feeder by Profession, living on Stallard Street, the d/o Edward Smart, a Spinner.

He was 33 years old when he gained his medal, and a private in the 8th Hussars (The King's Royal Irish), British Army during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 17 June 1858 at Gwalior, India, Private Pearson - together with a captain (Clement Walker Heneage), a sergeant (Joseph Ward) and a farrier (George Hollis) - was in a gallant charge made by a squadron of the 8th Hussars when, supported by a division of the Bombay Horse Artillery and the 95th Regiment, they routed the enemy. Charging through a rebel camp into two batteries, they captured and brought into their own camp two of the enemy's guns, under a heavy and converging fire from the fort and town.

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He later achieved the rank of Sergeant.

[edit] The medal

Auctioned by Morton & Eden Ltd of London on 23rd November 2004. In the collection of Lord Michael Ashcroft, UK.

[edit] References

  • ForValour

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