- Israel Harding
Israel Harding VC (
21 October 1833 -22 May 1917 ) was an English recipient of theVictoria 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 48 years old, and a Gunner in the
Royal Navy during theOccupation of Egypt when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.On
11 July 1882 atAlexandria ,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.Further information
He later achieved the rank of
Chief Gunner . His VC is held by the Lord Ashcroft VC Collection.External links
* [http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/hampshir.htm Burial location of Israel Harding] "Hampshire"
* [http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/bbhardin.htm News item] "Israel Harding's Victoria Cross sold at auction"
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