Andrew Henry (VC)

Infobox Military Person
name= Andrew Henry
lived= 1 November 1823-14 October 1870
allegiance= United Kingdom
rank= Captain
branch= British Army
unit= Royal Artillery
battles=Battle of Inkerman
awards=Victoria Cross

Andrew Henry VC (1 November 1823 - 14 October 1870) 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.

VC action

Henry received the second Victoria Cross awarded to the Royal Regiment of Artillery for successfully defending his gun at the Battle of Inkerman against heavy odds. Although severely wounded for this action he was also commissioned in the field.

He was at the time of the action a sergeant major of 'G' Battery Royal Artillery when on a foggy November morning in 1864 Russian troops launched a surprise attack on the British lines and quickly surrounded the Battery. Soon Sgt Andrew Henry was the only British soldier left. With his sword in one arm and using the other to pull a bayonet from his leg he fought valiantly. Sgt Henry received twelve bayonet wounds but lived to receive the Victoria Cross.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of captain. (INKERMAN) Battery's title comes from the battle of the same name which took place during the Crimean War.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Artillery Museum "(Woolwich, England)".

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/devonshi.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Devonshire)"