John Byrne

Sergeant John Byrne was an Irish-born soldier of the British Army who received the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He served during the mid-19th century, distinguishing himself in combat.

His military career included service in major operations, including the Battle of Inkerman during the Crimean War. He was also later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and participated in operations in New Zealand, as evidenced by his campaign medal.

Byrne's Victoria Cross was famously unaccounted for until a medal lacking its suspender bar and ribbon was recovered from the mud of the River Thames in December 2015. Historical research suggests this recovered medal may be the one originally presented to Byrne for his valorous actions.