Israel Harding
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Israel Harding (21 October 1833- 22 May 1917) was an English 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.
[edit] Details
He was 48 years old, and a Gunner in the Royal Navy during the Occupation of Egypt when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 11 July 1882 at Alexandria, Egypt, HMS Alexandra, with other ships, was bombarding the forts of the city and suffering damage and casualties from the enemy's guns. During the engagement a 10-inch shell passed through the ship's side and lodged on the main deck. Gunner Harding, hearing a shout that there was a live shell just above the hatchway (which led to the magazine) rushed up from below, picked it up and flung it into a tub of water. Had the shell burst it would probably have caused many deaths.
[edit] Further information
He later achieved the rank of Chief Gunner.
[edit] External links
- Burial location of Israel Harding "Hampshire"
- News item "Israel Harding's Victoria Cross sold at auction"
