| John Divane | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 1823 Carrabane, County Galway |
| Died | 1 December 1888 (aged 67) Penzance, Cornwall |
| Buried at | Penzance Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 60th Rifles |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
John Divane (VC) (Also known as DEVINE and DUANE) (November 1823 – 1 December 1888) born Carrabane, County Galway 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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He was approximately 34 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles (later The King's Royal Rifle Corps), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 10 September 1857 at Delhi, India for which he was awarded the VC:
For distinguished gallantry in heading a successful charge made by the Beeloochee and Seikh Troops on one of the Enemy's trenches before Delhi, on the 10th of September, 1857. He leaped out of our trenches, closely followed by the Native Troops, and was shot down from the top of the Enemy's breastworks. Elected by the Privates of the Regiment.
He died 1 New Street, Penzance, Cornwall, 1 December 1888, and is buried in Penzance cemetery. Apparently only semi-literate, Duane put 'the tail' on the wrong side of his 'u' on his signature, which led to confusion about the correct spelling of his surname in official records. Duane is one of several Soldiers from Carrabane (modern Kilconierin-Lickerrig-Clostoken parish) to fight with distinction in theatres of war throughout the nineteenth century. These Soldiers, and indeed the entire history of the parish, will be discussed in an upcoming book on the area.
Listed in order of publication year