John Park (VC)

He fought at Alma and Inkerman and stormed enemy rifle pits.

John Park was born in Londonderry in February 1835. He joined the 77th Regiment of Foot and served as a young sergeant during the Crimean War. His conduct was recognized across several engagements rather than for one moment alone.

At the Alma on 20 September 1854 and Inkerman on 5 November, Park distinguished himself in the fighting against Russian forces. During the siege of Sevastopol, his regiment took part in attacks against the Russian defensive works.

On the night of 19 April 1855 he fought in the assault on the rifle pits, where his determination attracted the attention of Colonel Egerton. Park was severely wounded during the operation. His eventual Victoria Cross citation also commended his resolution during both attacks on the Redan.

His award appeared among the first Victoria Cross announcements on 24 February 1857. After the Crimean War, the 77th went to Australia. Park received his decoration in Sydney in 1858, alongside his fellow regimental recipient Alexander Wright, before the regiment continued to India.

Park remained a serving soldier in India. He died at Allahabad in May 1863, still only in his twenties, and was buried in the Church of Scotland section of the cemetery there. His grave subsequently became unmarked. His Victoria Cross eventually entered the Leicester museum collection, preserving the record of a sergeant whose citation spanned the Alma, Inkerman and the siege operations before Sevastopol.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For conspicuous bravery at the Battles of Alma and Inkerman Highly distinguished at the taking of the Russian Rifle Pits, on the night of the 19th April, 1855. His valour, during that attack, called forth the approbation of the late Colonel Egerton. He was severely wounded. Remarked for determined resolution at both attacks on the Redan.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 24 February 1857. 24 February 1857, Numb. 21971, p. 661.