John Doogan

John Doogan VC was an Irish recipient of 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 as a private in the 1st Dragoon Guards (The King's), British Army during the First Boer War.

On January 28, 1881, during the Battle of Laing's Nek in South Africa, Private Doogan performed the action that earned him the Victoria Cross. During a charge of mounted men, he noticed his officer, Major William Vesey Brownlow, had had his horse shot out from under him and was stranded among the enemy. Despite being severely wounded himself, Doogan rode up, dismounted, and insisted that the Major take his horse, sustaining an additional wound in the process.

Doogan survived his injuries and later achieved the rank of Sergeant. Major Brownlow also survived, eventually rising to the rank of major-general, and later bequeathed Doogan an annuity in his will.