Michael Sleavon

Under heavy fire at Jhansi, he kept the vital sap moving on.

Born around 1826 or 1827 at Magheraculmoney, County Fermanagh, Ireland, Michael Sleavon worked as a stonemason before joining the Royal Artillery on 7 April 1847. He transferred to the Royal Sappers and Miners in September 1849, served in Bermuda, and later deployed to India with the Royal Engineers.

On 3 April 1858, during the assault on the fortified city of Jhansi, Corporal Sleavon worked at the head of a sap, an engineering approach that provided cover during an attack. Despite heavy enemy fire, he held his position and continued the work. His determined bravery and steadfastness earned the Victoria Cross, as recorded in The London Gazette on 11 November 1859, issue 22324, page 4032. He also received the Indian Mutiny Medal with the Central India clasp.

Promoted to sergeant in May 1858, Sleavon later served in Mauritius. Following a court martial in April 1862, he was reduced to sapper. He remained in the Army until his discharge on 25 April 1871.

Back in County Fermanagh, he farmed near Kesh. He died in August 1902 and was buried at Bannagh. His lost original Victoria Cross was replaced during his lifetime; it remained a single award for his courage at Jhansi.