John Coleman (VC)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Coleman (July 12, 1798 - May 21, 1858) 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 57 years old, and a sergeant in the 97th Regiment of Foot (later The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 30 August 1855 at Sebastopol, the Crimea, when the enemy attacked "New Sap" and drove the working party in, Sergeant Coleman remained in the open, exposed to the enemy's rifle pits, until all round him had been killed or wounded. He finally carried one of his officers who was mortally wounded, to the rear.
He was killed in action, Lucknow, India, on 21 May 1858.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum (Maidstone, Kent, England).
