John Byrne (VC)

John Byrne
Depiction of the battle of Inkerman
Born	September 1832 Castlecomer, County Kilkenny
Died	10 July 1879 (aged 46) Caerleon, Monmouthshire
Buried at	St Woolos Cemetery, Newport
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Corporal
Unit	68th Regiment of Foot
Battles/wars	Crimean War New Zealand Wars
Awards	Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal

John Byrne VC DCM (September 1832 – 10 July 1879), born at Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, 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.

Life

He was about 22 years old, and a private in the 68th Regiment of Foot (later The Durham Light Infantry), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 5 November 1854 in the Crimea, at the Battle of Inkerman, when the regiment was ordered to retire, Private Byrne went back towards the enemy, and, at the risk of his own life, brought in a wounded soldier, under fire. On 11 May 1855 he bravely engaged in a hand-to-hand contest with one of the enemy on the parapet of the work he was defending, prevented the entrance of the enemy, killed his antagonist, and captured his arms.

He later achieved the rank of corporal. He died at Crown Street, Newport, Monmouthshire.

The medal

The only medal on display is his New Zealand campaign medal, held in the Durham Light Infantry museum.

References

• Location of grave and VC medal
• John Byrne at Find-A-Grave