Charles Irwin


Charles Irwin, VC, was born in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, and was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Irwin was approximately 33 years old, and a private in the 53rd Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 16 November 1857 at the Relief of Lucknow for which he was awarded the VC:

Further information

Service Record:
His entry in the Canon Lummis files states that: "Judging from numerous entries in the muster roles as to imprisonment, he appears to have been a bad hat."
He died on 29 March 1873 at Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, Ireland and was buried in Saint Mark's Churchyard Magheraveely, County Fermanagh.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The King's Shropshire Light Infantry Museum.