William Bradshaw, (February 12, 1830- March 9, 1861) born in Thurles, County Tipperary, 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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Details
He was 27 years old, and an assistant surgeon in the 90th Regiment (later know as The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 26 September 1857 at Lucknow, India, Assistant Surgeon Bradshaw, with another surgeon (Anthony Dickson Home) was ordered to remove the wounded men left behind when the troops forced their way into the Residency. The dhooly-bearers had left the dhoolies, but notwithstanding the proximity of the sepoys, the two surgeons managed to get some of the bearers together and Assistant Surgeon Bradshaw, with about 20 dhoolies, after becoming separated from the rest of the party, succeeded in reaching the Residency in safety.
Further information
William Bradshaw died 9 March 1861 and is buried at St Mary's Church graveyard, Thurles. Memorial is in the church.
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum (Aldershot,Hampshire England).
References
Listed in order of publication year
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
- Irelands VCs (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Co. Tipperary, Ireland)
- Assistant Surgeon W. Bradshaw
- Find-A-Grave profile for William Bradshaw
