William James Montgomery Cuninghame was a Scottish 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 20 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 1st Bn., The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 20 November 1854 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, Lieutenant Cuninghame, with another lieutenant (Claude Thomas Bourchier) was with a party detailed to drive the Russians from some rifle pits. Advancing on the pits after dark they launched a surprise attack and drove the Russian riflemen from their cover, but in the fierce fighting which ensued the officer in command of the party was killed. The two lieutenants, however, maintained their advantage, withstood all attacks from the enemy during the night and held the position until relieved next day.

Further information

Later Sir William. He later achieved the rank of Colonel.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets Museum (Winchester, England).

Reference

• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• SCOTLANDS FORgotten VALOUR (Graham Ross, 1995)

See also

External links

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

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