William Connolly
For the Scottish Comedian William Connolly, see Billy ConnollyFor the American philosopher, see William E. ConnollyWilliam Connolly(May
1817 -
December 31,
1891), 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.
He was approx. 40 years old, and a
Gunner in the
Bengal Horse Artillery,
Indian Army during the
Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On
7 July 1857 at
Jhelum,
India, during an engagement with the enemy, Gunner Connolly, acting as second sponge-man, was felled by a musket ball through his thigh and although suffering severely from pain and loss of blood, he insisted on mounting his horse in the gun team and riding to the next position which the guns had taken up on retirement. He was again hit by a musket ball later the same morning but staggered to his feet and went on wielding his sponge with energy and courage, and encouraging another wounded man, until he was wounded yet again and fell unconscious.
Today, his medal is on public display in the
British in India Museum in
Colne,
Lancashire,
UK.
*
Purchase of the VC medal by Spink*
Location of grave and VC medal (Liverpool)*
Find-A-Grave profile for William ConnollyThis page has been
migrated from the
Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
