Richard Fitzgerald (VC)

Richard Fitzgerald VC (December 1831, St. Finbar's, Cork, Ireland – 1884 in India) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross.

Richard Fitzgerald
Born	December 1831 Cork, County Cork
Died	1884 (aged 53)
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	Bengal Army
Rank	Gunner
Unit	Bengal Horse Artillery
Battles / wars	Indian Mutiny
Awards	Victoria Cross

In Cork on 17 December 1851 he enlisted in the Bengal Horse Artillery, Bengal Army, for 12 years service, giving his trade as carpenter. He arrived in India to join his unit in November 1852.^[1]

Details

He was a 25 year old Gunner in the 2nd Troop, 3rd Brigade, Bengal Horse Artillery during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 28 September 1857 at Bolandshahr, India for which he and Sergeant Bernard Diamond were awarded the Victoria Cross^[1]:

"For an act of valour performed in action against the rebels and mutineers at Boolundshur, on the 28th September, 1857, when these two soldiers evinced the most determined bravery in working their gun under a very heavy fire of musketry, whereby they cleared the road of the enemy, after every other man belonging to it had been either killed or disabled by wounds. (Despatch of Major Turner, Bengal Horse Artillery, dated Boolundshur, 2nd October, 1857.)"^[2]

In the months after his VC action, Fitzgerald took part in operations around Lucknow.^[1]

Returning to the UK, he was discharged from the army at Canterbury, Kent, in June 1863^[1] and appears to have died in India in 1884.

Fitzgerald's VC and Indian Mutiny Medal are currently held by Bristol Museum.^[1]