Philip Baybutt

Philip James Baybutt (November 22, 1844 – April 17, 1907) was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Valley Campaigns of 1864 for action at Luray, Virginia on September 24, 1864, becoming the first British citizen recipient of the award.[1]

Philip J. Baybutt
Born(1844-11-22)November 22, 1844
Manchester, England
DiedApril 17, 1907(1907-04-17) (aged 62)
Lancashire, England
Place of burial
Southern Cemetery, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, England
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch
Years of service1864 - 1865
RankPrivate
Unit 2nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry
Battles/wars
Awards Medal of Honor

While visiting his brother in the United States, Baybutt joined the US Army from Fall River, Massachusetts in February 1864, and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865.[2]

Biography

Born in Manchester in 1844, he journeyed to Fall River, Massachusetts, America, to visit his brother, but he joined the Union Army when war broke out. The nonconformist working class community in his native city were strongly opposed to slavery, and this opposition continued despite the hardships resulting from the Union blockade and the consequent 'cotton famine'. Philip fought in eight major battles and was seriously wounded twice as two of his horses were shot beneath him. He was awarded the American equivalent of the Victoria Cross after snatching the enemy flag while fighting for the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry. When he returned to Britain, he had eight children but never fully recovered from his injuries and died aged 62.[3]

Medal of Honor citation

"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Philip Baybutt, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 24 September 1864, while serving with Company A, 2d Massachusetts Cavalry, in action at Luray, Virginia, for capture of flag."

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See also

Notes
  1. "Tribute to War Hero". American Civil War Society. December 2002. Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  2. Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War
  3. Manchester Evening News 8/9/14

References
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