John Purcell

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

PURCELL, John. (reg No.1010).

Private 9th Lancers.* London Gazetted on 15th January 1858.

Born at Kilcommon, Oughtorard, Co. Galway, Ireland in 1814 Killed in action at Delhi, India, on 19th September 1857 Digest of Citation reads: On th 19 June 1857 at Delhi, India during the mutiny, when a wagon of one of the batteries was blown up and the horse of Brigadier J.H. Grant CB, commander of the Cavalry Brigade was shot, Private Purcell with Private Hancock (Reg. No. 523 ) and Sowar Roopur Khan, of the 4th Irregular Cavalry, stayed with the officer until he could be dragged to safety by the sowar's horse. Private Purcell's horse was killed under him and Private Hancock was severely wounded.

* The Queen's Royal Additional information: Privates John Purcell and Thomas Hancock , of the 9th Lancers, served in the Indian mutiny and were both awarded the Victoria Cross for their service in that campaign. 'The guns, I am happy to say, were saved, but a wagon of Major Scott's battery was blown up. But I must not fail to mention the excellent conduct or a sower of the 4th Irregular Cavalry and two men of the 9th Lancers, Privates Thomas Hancock and John Purcell, who, when my horse was shot down, remained by me throughout. One of these men and the sower offered me their horses, and I was dragged out by the sowar's horse. Private Hancock was severely wounded and Private John Purcell's horse was killed under him. The sower's name is Roopur Khan. ' "The above is an extract to the Deputy Assistant Adjutant and General of division from Brigadier J H Grant, CB, Commanding Cavalry Brigade of the Field Force. Dated 22nd June 1857 from camp, Delhi, India. '' Private Purcell was killed before Delhi on 19th September 1857.