Bernard McQuirt

He battled three attackers and suffered six grievous wounds.

Bernard McQuirt came from Donaghcloney, County Armagh, and served as a private in the 95th Regiment of Foot. In 1857 his regiment was diverted to India and joined the Rajputana Field Force during the Indian Rebellion.

On 6 January 1858, during the attack on Rowa, McQuirt fought three opponents at close quarters. He killed one and wounded another, but received five sabre wounds and a musket wound himself. His conduct was subsequently recognized with the Victoria Cross, gazetted on 11 November 1859.

The severity of his injuries ended his military career. He was returned to Britain and medically discharged. Queen Victoria presented his decoration at Windsor Castle on 4 January 1860. Afterwards he lived in Ireland.

McQuirt died in Belfast on 5 October 1888 and was buried in Belfast City Cemetery under the spelling McCourt. His service and sacrifice have since received local memorial recognition, including a 2024 monument. His Victoria Cross and Indian Mutiny Medal commemorate his service in India.

### Official Victoria Cross citation

For gallant conduct on the 6th of January, 1858, at the capture of the entrenched town of Rowa, when he was severely and dangerously wounded in a hand to hand fight with three men, of whom he killed one and wounded another. He received five sabre cuts and a musket shot in this service.

Source: The London Gazette of 11 November 1859, Numb. 22324, p. 4032.