Edward Jennings (VC)

He saved wounded comrades during fierce fighting at Lucknow.

Edmond Jennings, also recorded as Edward, served in the Bengal Artillery through several campaigns in India. Born in Ireland, he enlisted in the East India Company's forces in 1836. He fought in Afghanistan and the Sutlej campaign before becoming a rough-rider, responsible for trained military horses.

During the relief of Lucknow from 14 to 22 November 1857, Jennings showed courage in assisting wounded men under fire. The men of his battery selected him for the Victoria Cross, one of the awards made through the early warrant's provision for election by comrades. His Cross therefore reflects the judgement of soldiers who had witnessed his conduct throughout the fighting.

He retired in 1859 and returned to Britain. Queen Victoria presented a Cross to him at Windsor on 9 October 1860. His later civilian circumstances were much less fortunate: he worked for the municipal authorities at North Shields and died on 10 May 1889. He was buried in a pauper's grave at Preston Cemetery.

Later efforts marked and commemorated his burial. More than one Cross is associated with his story, a matter of issue and presentation history rather than a second act of gallantry. His campaign medals connect his Lucknow service with earlier fighting in Afghanistan and the Punjab.

Official Victoria Cross citation

Elected respectively, under the 13th clause of the Royal Warrant of the 29th of January, 1856, by the Officers and non-commissioned officers generally, and by the private soldiers of each troop or battery, for conspicuous gallantry at the relief of Lucknow, from the 14th to the 22nd of November 1857.

The London Gazette of 24 December 1858, Numb. 22212, p. 5516