John Berryman (VC)

He carried his wounded officer back from the Russian battery

John Berryman was born in Dudley in 1825, the son of an innkeeper. He trained as a cabinet maker before enlisting in the 17th Lancers in October 1843. He rose through the ranks and was a sergeant when the regiment went to the Crimea in 1854.

During the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava on 25 October, his horse was disabled near the Russian guns. Berryman was wounded, as was Captain Webb, whose shattered leg prevented him from escaping unaided. Despite the officer's instruction to save themselves, Berryman and fellow lancer John Farrell remained with him. With assistance from Joseph Malone of the 13th Light Dragoons, they carried Webb toward the British lines under fire. Webb later died following the amputation of his leg.

Queen Victoria presented Berryman's Victoria Cross at the first investiture in Hyde Park in June 1857. He subsequently served in the Indian uprising and rose to regimental sergeant major before receiving a commission as lieutenant and quartermaster in 1864. He married in India and had a daughter, but lost his wife while stationed there.

His Army career continued for four decades. In the Zulu War he served at Ulundi in July 1879, adding southern Africa to his Crimean and Indian campaigns. He transferred to the 5th Lancers in 1880 and retired in 1883 as an honorary major. He settled at Woldingham, Surrey, where he died on 27 June 1896 and was buried in St Agatha's churchyard.

Official Victoria Cross citation

Served with his Regiment the whole of the war, was present at the Battle of the Alma, and also engaged in the pursuit at Mackenzie’s Farm, where he succeeded in capturing three Russian prisoners, when they were within reach of their own guns. Was present and charged at the Battle of Balaklava, where, his horse being shot under him, he stopped on the field with a wounded Officer (Captain Webb) amidst a shower of shot and shell, although repeatedly told by that Officer to consult his own safety, and leave him, but he refused to do so, and on Serjeant John Farrall coming by, with his assistance, carried Captain Webb out of range of the guns. He has also a Clasp for Inkerman

Supplement to The London Gazette of 24 February 1857. 24 February 1857, Numb. 21971, p. 655