Patrick Mylott

He crossed a road swept by musket fire to storm an enclosure

Patrick Mylott was born in June 1820 near Hollymount, County Mayo, Ireland. A labourer before joining the British Army, he enlisted in the 63rd Regiment in May 1839 and transferred to the 84th Regiment in January 1847. Most of his service was spent in Burma and India.

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Private Mylott served in the campaign from Fatehpur to Lucknow. He distinguished himself repeatedly between 12 July and 25 September. In one action he rushed across a road swept by musket fire to attack an enclosure on the opposite side. His fellow private soldiers elected him to receive the Victoria Cross for his sustained gallantry.

The award was gazetted on 24 December 1858. After returning to Britain with his regiment in 1859, he received the decoration from Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on 4 January 1860. He was discharged that December after twenty-one years of service. His other medals recognized the Indian Mutiny campaign and long service with good conduct.

His life after leaving the Army is poorly documented. The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association records his death in December 1877.

Victoria Cross Citation

For being foremost in rushing across a road, under a shower of balls, to take an opposite enclosure; and for gallant conduct at every engagement at which he was present with his Regiment, from 12th of July, 1857, to the relief of the garrison. Elected by the private soldiers of the Regiment.