John Connors (VC)


John Connors VC was born in Duagh, Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland and 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.

Details

Connors was approximately 24 years old, and a private in the 3rd Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 8 September 1855 at Sebastopol in the Crimea, Private Connors showed conspicuous gallantry at the assault on the Redan in personal conflict with the enemy. He rescued an officer of the 30th Regiment who was surrounded by Russians, by shooting one and bayoneting another.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of Corporal. He died at Corfu 29 January 1857.
There is some doubt as to whether Connors was ever awarded the medal before his death, or whether it reached his widow.