John Purcell (VC)

He helped rescue his brigadier in close fighting near Delhi.

John Purcell was born at Kilcommon near Oughterard, County Galway, in 1814. He worked as a labourer before joining the 4th Dragoon Guards in May 1840 and transferring to the 9th Lancers in April 1842. The regiment sailed for India the following month.

His service included the Gwalior campaign, where he fought at Punniar in 1843, and the later Sutlej and Punjab campaigns. These years gave him considerable experience before the uprising of 1857 brought the regiment into the fighting around Delhi.

On 19 June 1857, Brigadier James Hope Grant's horse was shot during a hard-fought action. Grant was threatened by enemy troops and unable to escape unaided. Purcell, fellow lancer Thomas Hancock and an Indian cavalryman went to his assistance. Their intervention protected him during the close fighting and enabled him to leave the field on another horse.

Purcell's own horse was shot, while Hancock suffered wounds that ultimately cost him an arm. Purcell and Hancock were recommended for the Victoria Cross for their part in saving Grant. The award acknowledged the cooperation of the men who came to the officer's aid during the confused action.

Purcell continued serving through the siege but was killed during the capture of Delhi on 19 September 1857. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Old Delhi Military Cemetery. He had not lived to learn of the decoration, which was announced in January 1858.

His brother James, also serving with the 9th Lancers in India, received the Victoria Cross on his behalf in 1859. Purcell's Punniar Star survived separately, preserving a link to his earlier campaign service as well as the regiment's later fighting at Delhi.

Official Victoria Cross citation

“The guns, I am happy to say, were saved, but a waggon of Major Scott’s battery was blown up. I must not fail to mention the excellent conduct of a Sowar of the 4th Irregular Cavalry, and two men of the 9th Lancers, Privates Thomas Hancock and John Purcell, who, when my horse was shot down, remained by me throughout. One of these men and the Sowar offered me their horses, and I was dragged out by the Sowar’s horse. Private Hancock was severely wounded, and Private Purcell’s horse was killed under him. The Sowar’s name is Roopur Khan.” (Extract of a letter from Brigadier J.H. Grant, C.B., Commanding Cavalry Brigade of the Field Force, to the Deputy Assistant-Adjutant-General of Division. Dated Camp, Delhi, June 22, 1857.)

The London Gazette of 15 January 1858, Numb. 22083, p. 178.