Henry Singleton Pennell

Henry Singleton Pennell VC (18 June 1874- 19 January 1907) 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.

Details

He was 23 years old, and a lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, The Derbyshire Regiment (later The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)), British Army during the Tirah Campaign, India when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 20 October 1897 during the attack on the Dargai Heights, Tirah, India, when a captain of The Derbyshire Regiment was struck down, Lieutenant Pennell ran to his assistance and made two attempts, under a hail of bullets, to carry and drag him back to cover. The lieutenant only gave up when he found that the wounded officer was dead.

He later achieved the rank of Staff Captain at Southern Command

Born 1874 in Dawlish, Devon to Edwin Francis Pennell and his wife Henrietta nee Copeland.Educated Eastbourne College, Sussex where there is now a Pennell House. Attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from 1892 to 1893.Fought at the Siege of Ladysmith and at the Battle of Spion Kop during Second Boer War. Other decorations include the India Medal with 2 clasps, the Queen's South Africa Medal with 2 clasps and was twice mentioned in dispatches.

He died 19 Jan 1907 toboganning on the Cresta Run at St Moritz, Switzerland. He is buried in Dawlish Parish Churchyard where there is a large MI to him and others of the family.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Sherwood Foresters Museum, The Castle, Nottingham, England.

External links

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