John Shepheard
also [SHEPPARD or SHEPHERD Boatswain. Royal Navy
- Register No.
- 1136 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Unit
- also [SHEPPARD or SHEPHERD Boatswain. Royal Navy all also [SHEPPARD or SHEPHERD Boatswain. Royal Navy VCs →
- London Gazette
- 24th February 1857 on this day → all of 1857 →
- Born
- 22nd September 1817 at Hull, Yorkshire
- Died
- 17th December 1884 at Padstow, Cornwall
- Memorial / grave
- at Padstow churchyard, Cornwall
- Medal held by
- the Royal Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Digest of citation
In a small vessel, of his own making, complete with an exploding mechanism, Boatswain's Mate Shepheard of the St Jean D'Acre, made his way into the harbour at Sebastopol on 15th July 1855 with the intention of blowing up a Russian Flagship. He made two attempts, the first being prevented by a line of boats carrying troops, heading north. However, he managed to bring back valuable information concerning the enemy. The second attempt on 16th August 1855, was made from Careening Bay, that was in French possession. This attempt also failed, but there was no doubt that both attempts were well envisaged and performed under extremely dangerous conditions
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
SHEPHEARD, John. (reg No. 1136). also [SHEPPARD or SHEPHERD].
Boatswain. Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
Born on 22nd September 1817 at Hull, Yorkshire.
Died on 17th December 1884 at Padstow, Cornwall.
Memorial on grave at Padstow churchyard, Cornwall.
Digest of Citation reads: In a small vessel, of his own making, complete with an exploding mechanism, Boatswain's Mate Shepheard of the St Jean D'Acre, made his way into the harbour at Sebastopol on 15th July 1855 with the intention of blowing up a Russian Flagship. He made two attempts, the first being prevented by a line of boats carrying troops, heading north. However, he managed to bring back valuable information concerning the enemy. The second attempt on 16th August 1855, was made from Careening Bay, that was in French possession. This attempt also failed, but there was no doubt that both attempts were well envisaged and performed under extremely dangerous conditions.
Additional information:. Boatswain Shepheard also held the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM). Further research required.
Additional information
Boatswain Shepheard also held the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM). Further research required.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: at Padstow churchyard, Cornwall
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
Research this recipient further
Would you like to honour John Shepheard by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.