Michael Magner

When the assault on Magdala stalled at its defended gateway, Drummer Michael Magner helped find another way in. His courage on 13 April 1868 earned him the Victoria Cross.

Born on 21 June 1840 in County Fermanagh, Ireland, Michael Magner, also known as Michael Magner Barry or Michael Barry, enlisted in the British Army in 1854. Serving with the 33rd Regiment of Foot, later known as the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, he joined the British expedition to Abyssinia, now Ethiopia.

During the assault on Magdala, the attacking column encountered obstacles at the main entrance. Magner and Private James Bergin joined a small group that climbed a cliff, crossed the outer wall and pushed through a thorn-covered defensive barrier. They were the first two soldiers to enter the fortress, helping to turn the defenders of the gateway.

Both men received the Victoria Cross for their gallantry, announced in the London Gazette on 28 July 1868, issue 23405, page 4187. Magner received his cross at Portsmouth on 4 November 1868. His campaign service also entitled him to the Abyssinian War Medal.

Magner later served in India and attained the rank of Corporal. After leaving the Army, he emigrated with his family to Tasmania in 1884, then moved to Victoria. He died in Fitzroy, Melbourne, on 6 February 1897 and was buried in the Roman Catholic section of Melbourne General Cemetery. His Victoria Cross is preserved in the Museums Victoria collection.