Andrew Moynihan

He fought at the Redan and rescued an officer under gunfire.

Andrew Moynihan VC distinguished himself during the assault on the Redan at Sevastopol on 8 September 1855. A sergeant in the 90th Regiment of Foot, he fought Russian defenders at close quarters and rescued a wounded officer under heavy fire. He suffered multiple wounds but survived the assault.

Born in Wakefield in 1830, Moynihan moved with his family to Dukinfield. He attended school in Ashton-under-Lyne and worked in local mills before enlisting in the 1840s. He married Ellen Parkin in 1853, shortly before his service took him to the Crimean War. His conduct there brought the Victoria Cross and the French Médaille militaire.

Queen Victoria decorated him at Hyde Park on 26 June 1857. Commissioned and transferred to the 8th Regiment of Foot, he subsequently served in India during the rebellion and the Oudh campaign of 1858–59. His later postings included Ireland, Gibraltar and Malta, and he advanced to captain. He also served as a musketry instructor.

Moynihan died from illness at Floriana, Malta, in May 1867 and was buried at Ta’ Braxia Cemetery. His widow returned to Yorkshire with their children. Their son Berkeley later became a distinguished surgeon and was created Baron Moynihan of Leeds. The captain’s surviving medals record his service in Crimea and India as well as his gallantry.

Official Victoria Cross citation

When Serjeant, 90th Light Infantry, at the assault of the Redan, 8th September, 1855, he personally encountered and killed five Russians. Rescued from near the Redan a wounded Officer, under a heavy fire.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 24 February 1857. 24 February 1857, Numb. 21971, p. 658