John Park (VC)

John Park
275px Depiction of the Siege of Sebastopol
Born	February 1835 (1835-02) Derry, Ireland
Died	16 May 1863 (1863-05-17) (aged 28) Allahabad, India
Buried	Allahabad Cemetery
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	77th (East Middlesex) Regiment of Foot
Battles/wars	Crimean War
Awards	Victoria Cross

John Park VC (February 1835 – 16 May 1863), born in Derry, Ireland, 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

Park was 19 years old, and a sergeant in the 77th Regiment (later The Middlesex Regiment - Duke of Cambridge's Own), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 20 September and 5 November 1854 at the Battle of the Alma and Inkerman, Crimea, Sergeant Park showed great bravery. On 19 April 1855 Park also distinguished himself at the taking of the Russian Rifle Pits, during which he was severely wounded. He showed great resolution at both attacks on the Redan.

Park's citation reads:

For conspicuous bravery at the Battles of Alma and Inkerman. Highly distinguished at the taking of the Russian Rifle Pits, on the night of the 19th April, 1855. His valour, during that attack, called forth the approbation of the late Colonel Egerton. He was severely wounded. Remarked for determined resolution at both attacks on the Redan.

Park died in Allahabad, India, on 16 May 1863, from sunstroke.

References

• The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
• Ireland's VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development, 1995)
• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)

External links

• The Middlesex Regiment 1755-1966 (detailed history of the original "Die Hards")