John McGovern (VC)
John McGovern VC (16 May 1825 – 22 November 1888) (Also known as McGOWAN) was born in the parish of Templeport in Tullyhaw, County Cavan, 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.
John McGovern | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 May 1825 Tullyhaw, County Cavan |
| Died | 22 November 1888 (aged 63) Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Buried | Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hamilton |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ | Bengal Army |
| Years of service | 1845–1862 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 1st Bengal European Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars |
|
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Details
He was 32 years old, and a private in the 1st Bengal European Fusiliers (later The Royal Munster Fusiliers), Bengal Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 23 June 1857 at Delhi, India for which he was awarded the VC:[1]
For gallant conduct during the operations before Delhi, but more especially on the 23rd of June, 1857, when he carried into camp a wounded comrade under a very heavy fire from the enemy's battery, at the risk of his own life.
Further information
McGovern emigrated to Canada and died in Hamilton, Ontario, in November 1888.[2]
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England).
References
- "No. 22278". The London Gazette. 21 June 1859. p. 2420.
- 100 Famous Hamiltarians
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- Clarke, Brian D. H. (1986). "A register of awards to Irish-born officers and men". The Irish Sword. XVI (64): 185–287.
- 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)