James Pearson (VC)

Charging armed opponents, he then rescued a wounded comrade.

James Pearson was born at Rathdowney, County Laois, then Queen's County, on 2 October 1822. He enlisted in the 86th Regiment of Foot in February 1840. His long enlisted career brought him to India and eventually into the Central India operations of 1858.

On 3 April 1858, during the assault on Jhansi, Pearson attacked a group of armed opponents, killing one and bayoneting two others. He was wounded himself. His Victoria Cross also recognised his rescue of Private Michael Burns under heavy fire at Kalpi on 23 May. Burns subsequently died from his injuries.

The two actions were recorded within a single award, acknowledging sustained bravery during the campaign rather than separate decorations. Pearson served as a private at the time and subsequently attained the rank of sergeant. He also received the Indian Mutiny Medal with the Central India clasp.

His later army service included a transfer to the 83rd Regiment in June 1860. Lieutenant General Sir William Mansfield presented his Victoria Cross in India in January 1861. Later that year Pearson married Sophia Bonner, formerly Payne, at Poonamallee near Madras. They had no children.

After discharge he became governor of Madras prison and remained in southern India in later life. He died at Poonamallee on 23 January 1900 and was buried in Madras. His name is commemorated on the regimental memorial in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, preserving his connection with the regiment in which he earned the cross.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For having gallantly attacked a number of armed rebels, on the occasion of the storming of Jhansi, on the 3rd April, 1858, one of whom he killed, and bayonetted two others. He was himself wounded in the attack. Also, for having brought in, at Calpee, under a heavy fire, Private Michael Burns, who afterwards died of his wounds.

The London Gazette of 1 May 1860, Numb. 22381, p. 1642