Michael Sleavon

From Alf Askin's research notes

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

SLEAVON, Michael. (reg No. 1151).

Corporal. Corps of Royal Engineers.

London Gazetted on 11th November 1859.

VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.

Born in 1827 at Magheraculmoney, County Fermanagh, Ireland.

Died on the 14th August 1902 at Ederney, County Fermanagh, Ireland.

Memorial on grave at Bannagh Roman Catholic Churchyard, Tubrid, County Fermanagh, Ireland.

Digest of Citation reads:. On 3rd April 1858 during the attack on the fort at Jhansi, India, Corporal Sleavon maintained his position at the head of the Sap *, working continually under extremely heavy fire with a cool and calm determination.

* A tunnel or trench to conceal a fortified place.

Additional information:. Corporal Sleavon's Victoria Cross was sold on 22nd January 1903 for £53 in London.

SMITH, Alfred (reg. No 1152. (listed as Albert in VC 1856-1920) Gunner Royal Regiment of Artillery London Gazetted on 12th May 1885 Born in 1861 at London.

Died on 6th January 1932 at Plumstead, Kent.

Memorial on grave at Wych Hill Cemetery, Plumstead, Kent.(Headstone donated 1986)

Digest of Citation reads: On 17 January 1885 at Abu Klea, Sudan, Gunner Smith saved a lieutenant who was being attacked by a native. The officer was superintending his gun at time and had no weapon in his hand, but Gunner Smith warded off the thrust of the spear, giving the lieutenant time to draw his sword and bring the assailant to his knees. The latter, however, made a wild thrust at the officer with a long knife, which Gunner Smith again warded off, but not before the lieutenant was wounded. The gunner then managed to kill the native before he could attack again.

Additional information: In the Book The Victoria Cross Gunner Smith's forename is recorded as Albert. The report in this book is as follows: At the action of Abu Klea, on the 17th Jan. 1885, when the enemy charged the square fell back a short distance leaving Lieutenant Guthrie, Royal Artillery , with his gun ina comparatively unprotected position. At this moment a native rushed at Lieut. Guthrie with a spear, and would have in all probability killed that officer, who had no weapon in his hand at the time (being engaged in the superintending of his gun). when Gunner Smith with a gun hand-spike warded off the thrust, thus giving Lieut. Guthrie time to draw his sword, and with a blow bring the assailant to his knees, but as the latter fell he made a wild thrust at the officer with a long knife, which Gunner Smith again warded off, not, however, before the native had managed to inflict a wound in Lieut. Guthrie's thigh. Before the Sudani could repeat the thrust, Gunner Smith killed him with the hand-spike and thus for a time saved the life of his officer, though the latter unfortunately Died on some days afterwards from his wounds. Gunner Smith was discharged from the Army Reserve on the 4th December 1889.