Ambrose Madden

Ambrose Madden, VC, rose from the ranks of the British Army to become a commissioned officer after distinguished service in the Crimean War. His Victoria Cross was earned during the fighting near Sevastopol on 26 October 1854, when he led a small party of the 41st Regiment against retreating Russian troops and helped capture fifteen prisoners.

Madden was born in Cork, Ireland, about 1820, the son of a silk weaver. Before entering the Army he worked as a labourer. He enlisted in the 2nd Dragoon Guards at Cahir, County Tipperary, in May 1838 and transferred to the 41st Regiment of Foot in Dublin in October 1845. He advanced steadily through the ranks, becoming a corporal in 1848, a sergeant in 1849 and a colour sergeant in May 1853.

With the outbreak of the Crimean War, Madden deployed with the 41st Regiment and landed in the Crimea on 14 September 1854. He fought at the Battle of the Alma and subsequently served in the operations before Sevastopol.

On 26 October 1854, during fighting sometimes referred to as Little Inkerman, Russian troops made a sortie against the British positions. Madden led a party of men from the 41st Regiment and succeeded in cutting off part of the enemy force. His party captured one Russian officer and fourteen soldiers. Madden personally captured three of the enemy soldiers unaided.

He continued to distinguish himself during the campaign and was present at the Battle of Inkerman on 5 November 1854. Madden also served in the trenches before Sevastopol during the prolonged siege. His Crimean service entitled him to the Crimea Medal with clasps for Alma, Inkermann and Sebastopol.

For his conspicuous gallantry on 26 October 1854, Madden was awarded the Victoria Cross. His award was published in the London Gazette on 24 February 1857. Major-General Edward Wells Bell subsequently presented the Victoria Cross to Madden in Jamaica on 7 August 1857, where he was then serving as a sergeant major.

Madden's gallantry and Crimean service were also recognized by allied nations. France awarded him the Médaille militaire, while the Ottoman Empire awarded him the Turkish Crimea Medal. Together with his Victoria Cross and British Crimea Medal, these form his documented four-award group. No Légion d’honneur or Order of the Medjidie should be attributed to Madden without further person-specific documentary evidence.

Madden later transferred to the 2nd West India Regiment. On 24 December 1858 he was commissioned as an ensign without purchase, completing a remarkable progression from enlisted soldier to commissioned officer. He subsequently served in West Africa and took part in operations during the Baddiboo War in the Gambia. On 20 August 1861 he was promoted to lieutenant without purchase.

Lieutenant Ambrose Madden continued serving with the West India Regiment until his death in Jamaica on 1 January 1863. His military career was distinguished by long service, advancement from the ranks and exceptional courage under fire. His Victoria Cross commemorates the leadership and personal gallantry he displayed with the 41st Regiment during the Crimean War.