| Frederick Whirlpool | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Frederick Humphrey James |
| Born | 1829 Liverpool, England |
| Died | 24 June 1899 (aged 69-70) New South Wales, Australia |
| Buried at | Presbyterian Cemetery, Windsor |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Bengal Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 3rd Bombay European Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frederick Whirlpool VC (1829 – 24 June 1899) 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.
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Whirlpool was approximately 29 years old and a private in the 3rd Bombay European Regiment (later The Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment) during the Indian Mutiny when he performed the deeds at Jhansi which would earn him the Victoria Cross:
For gallantly volunteering on the 3rd of April, 1858, in the attack of Jhansi, to return and carry away several killed and wounded, which he did twice under a very heavy fire from the wall; also, for devoted bravery at the Assault of Lohari on the 2nd of May, 1858, in rushing to the rescue of Lieutenant Doune, of the Regiment, who was dangerously wounded. In this service, Private Whirlpool received seventeen desperate wounds, one of which nearly severed his head from his body. The gallant example shown by this man is considered to have greatly contributed to the success of the day.[1]
Whirlpool moved to Australia in his later life and died in Windsor, New South Wales in 1899. As a result, he is sometimes erroneously claimed as an Australian VC recipient.[2]
The presentation of Whirlpool's medal, on 20 June 1861, was the first public presentation in Australia of a Victoria Cross. The medal was presented to him by Lady Barkly, the wife of Sir Henry Barkly, KCB, the governor of Victoria at that time. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.[3]