John Lyons

He threw a live shell clear of the men crowded in the trench

John Lyons came from Carlow, Ireland, and worked as a house painter before joining the 19th Regiment with his younger brother Edward in July 1842. His service took him to Mediterranean stations, the West Indies and Canada before the regiment returned to Britain. In 1854 he went to the Crimea and fought at the Alma and Inkermann.

On 10 June 1855, during the siege of Sevastopol, a live shell landed in the trench where he and other soldiers were sheltering. Lyons immediately picked it up and threw it clear before it exploded. His quick action protected his comrades and earned the Victoria Cross. He also received the French Legion of Honour for his Crimean service.

Queen Victoria presented his VC at Hyde Park in June 1857. His regiment subsequently went to India, where its duties included guarding prisoners and pursuing rebel forces. Lyons continued to serve despite recurrent disciplinary difficulties and eventually held corporal's rank.

Ill health brought him back to Britain in 1861. He was discharged in December 1862 because of chronic rheumatism after lengthy overseas service, and spent further months convalescing at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Released as an out-pensioner in 1863, he returned to Ireland and later lived at Naas, County Kildare. He died there on 20 April 1867. His medals were subsequently acquired for the regiment and preserved in the Green Howards collection.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For, on the 10th June, 1855, taking up a live shell which fell among the guard of the trenches, and throwing it over the parapet.