Joseph Prosser

He crossed enemy fire to seize a deserter and save a soldier

Joseph Prosser was born at Moneygall, Ireland, in 1828. He enlisted in the 1st Regiment of Foot and served with its 2nd Battalion during the Crimean War.

On 16 June 1855, while on trench duty before Sevastopol, Private Prosser pursued a soldier who was deserting towards the Russian lines. Despite crossfire, he caught the man and brought him back. On 11 August he again left the advanced trench under heavy fire, this time helping carry in a severely wounded soldier of the 95th Regiment. The two actions earned him a single Victoria Cross.

Posted to Gibraltar after the war, he received the decoration there on 6 August 1857. He subsequently left the Army and settled in Liverpool. The surviving accounts give little reliable information about his civilian occupation. He died at his home in Birchfield Street on 10 June 1867 and was buried in Anfield Cemetery.

Official Victoria Cross citation

1st. On the 16th of June, 1855, when on duty in the trenches before Sebastopol, for pursuing and apprehending (while exposed to two cross fires) a soldier in the act of deserting to the enemy. 2nd. On the 11th August, 1855, before Sebastopol, for leaving the most advanced trench, and assisting to carry in a soldier of the 95th Regiment, who lay severely wounded, and unable to move. This gallant and humane act was performed under a very heavy fire from the enemy.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 24 February 1857. 24 February 1857, Numb. 21971, p. 657