James Henry Reynolds


James Henry Reynolds VC, born Kingstown, County Dublin, was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Rorke's Drift, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was educated at Castleknock College and Trinity College, Dublin.

Details

Reynolds was 34 years old, and a Surgeon in the Army Medical Department, British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place on 22/23 January 1879, at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, for which he was awarded the VC:
Surgeon Reynolds also had by his side the whole time during the battle his fox terrier named Dick. Dick never wavered as shots and spears continued falling around them. He only left his side once to bite a Zulu who came too close. Dick was specially mentioned in the citation for "his constant attention to the wounded under the fire where they fell."
For his conduct in the battle, Reynolds was also promoted to Surgeon-Major.
The battle was the subject of the 1964 film Zulu, with Reynolds portrayed by the actor Patrick Magee.

His account of the battle

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum.