John Byrne

He rescued a wounded comrade under deadly fire at Inkermann.

John Byrne was born at Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, Ireland, in September 1832. A labourer before enlistment, he joined the 68th Regiment of Foot at Coventry in 1850. His regiment subsequently served in the Crimean War.

At Inkermann on 5 November 1854, Byrne returned towards the enemy after his regiment had been ordered to withdraw and brought a wounded soldier to safety under fire. On 11 May 1855 at Sebastopol, he prevented a Russian soldier entering the defended position by defeating him in hand-to-hand combat on its parapet. These actions brought him the Victoria Cross, presented on Corfu by Major General Sir George Buller on 22 July 1857.

Byrne later served in New Zealand and earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Te Ranga in June 1864. During the fighting, John Murray performed the rescue of Byrne that contributed to Murray's own Victoria Cross. Byrne became a sergeant in 1866. After discharge in 1869 and militia service, he rejoined the 68th before leaving regular service in 1872. His later service included the rank of colour sergeant, followed by reduction to corporal.

He subsequently worked for the Ordnance Survey in South Wales. On 10 July 1879, following an argument, he shot and wounded a colleague and later took his own life. He was buried in St Woolos Cemetery, Newport. His New Zealand Medal survives in the Durham Light Infantry collection.

Official Victoria Cross citation:

“At the Battle of Inkerman, when the Regiment was ordered to retire, Private John Byrne went back towards the enemy, and, at risk of his own life, brought in a wounded soldier, under fire. On the 11th May, 1855, he bravely engaged in a hand to hand contest with one of the enemy on the parapet of the work he was defending, prevented the entrance of the enemy, killed his antagonist, and captured his arms.”