Francis Fitzpatrick 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

He was approx. 20 years old, and a Private in the 94th Regiment (later The Connaught Rangers), British Army during the Basuto War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 November 1879 during an attack on Sekukuni's Town, South Africa, Private Fitzpatrick and another private (Thomas Flawn) with six men of the Native Contingent, were with a lieutenant of the 1st Dragoon Guards when he was badly wounded. The natives carried the wounded officer at first, but when the party was pursued by about 30 of the enemy they deserted and the lieutenant would have been killed but for the gallantry of the two privates - one carrying him and the other covering the retreat and firing on the enemy.

Further information

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum (Chelsea, England).

Reference

• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

See also

External links

• Location of grave and VC medal (http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/glasgow.htm) (Glasgow)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference (http://www.victoriacross.net) with permission.