Alexander Wright

What kind of courage turns an ordinary private soldier into a Victoria Cross hero? For Alexander Wright, it was not a single moment of bravery. It was the determination to face the enemy repeatedly, inspire the men around him and continue fighting even after being wounded.

Born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Alexander Wright joined the British Army and served as No. 2239 Private Alexander Wright in the 77th Regiment of Foot, later known as the 77th East Middlesex Regiment. During the Crimean War, he fought in some of the campaign’s most punishing battles and endured the deadly trench warfare surrounding the Siege of Sebastopol.

Wright’s courage was not based on rank, privilege or command. It was proved under fire.

On the night of 22 March 1855, he distinguished himself while helping to repel a Russian sortie against the British positions at Sebastopol. Less than a month later, on 19 April, he took part in the capture of the Russian Rifle Pits. While the captured position came under intense enemy fire, Wright encouraged the soldiers around him to hold their ground. He was wounded during the fighting, but his conduct was remembered. On 30 August 1855, he again displayed exceptional bravery and was wounded for a second time.

His official Victoria Cross citation praised his “conspicuous bravery through the whole Crimean War.” That wording is significant. Wright was not decorated for one isolated act. His award recognised a sustained record of courage during repeated actions against the enemy. The Victoria Cross was formally announced in the London Gazette on 24 February 1857, confirming his name, service number, rank and regiment.

Wright’s complete verified medal entitlement reflects the scale of his wartime service. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the Crimea Medal 1854 to 1856 with the clasps Alma, Inkermann and Sebastopol. These clasps record his presence during the Battle of the Alma, the Battle of Inkerman and the prolonged Siege of Sebastopol. He was also entitled to the Turkish Crimea Medal, awarded by the Ottoman Empire to Allied servicemen who participated in the campaign.

After the Crimean War, the 77th Regiment was posted to New South Wales, arriving in Sydney in 1857. Wright and Sergeant John Park, the regiment’s other Crimean War Victoria Cross recipient, were absent from the first major Victoria Cross investiture held in London because they were serving overseas. The regiment later sailed for India as British forces responded to the Indian Rebellion.

Alexander Wright died at Calcutta on 28 July 1858. His military career had been brief, but his legacy was permanent. He entered the British Army as a private and became one of the most highly decorated ordinary soldiers of the 77th Regiment.

Alexander Wright VC did not become a hero because he held authority over others. He became a hero because, when the fire was at its worst, he refused to give way.