Samuel Morley (VC)


Samuel Morley VC was an English 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.

Victoria Cross

On 15 April 1858, Morley was in position at Nathupur, near Azimgurh, in north-east India. Morley was a private in the 2nd Battalion, Military Train, British Army. During the fighting, Morley and Farrier Michael Murphy were severely wounded while defending an injured comrade, Lieutenant Hamilton, adjutant of the 3rd Sikh Cavalry. Hamilton died from his injuries the next evening. His citation reads:
Although Murphy was gazetted and received his VC promptly, Morley did not. In May 1860, Morley complained during a parade. An investigation was held, and his medal was awarded. The announcement appeared in the London Gazette on 7 August 1860.

Post-army life

Morley died at age 58, on 16 June 1888 in Nottingham and is buried at the General Cemetery, Nottingham.
Morley's Victoria Cross can be viewed by prior arrangement only with the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut, Camberley, Surrey, England.

Family

Morley married Mary at some point before 1881.