William Oxenham

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William Oxenham VC (July 1823 - December 29, 1875) 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 British and Commonwealth forces.

[edit] Details

He was about 32 years old, and a corporal in the 32nd Regiment of Foot (later The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry), British Army during the Indian rebellion of 1857 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 30 June 1857 at Lucknow, India, Corporal Oxenham saved the life of a Bengal Civil Servant, Mr Capper, by extricating him from the ruins of a verandah which had fallen on him. The corporal was exposed to heavy fire while effecting this rescue, which took about 45 minutes to perform.

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum (Bodmin, Cornwall, England). His campaign and good conduct medals are also on display at the museum.

[edit] External links