Victoria Cross won by Irishman in 1857 sells for over €1m

Thomas Henry Kavanagh from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, became the first civilian to win the VC, which occurred just a year after the medal was introduced. His medal was sold at auction for £930,000 (€1,075,000) by Noonan’s auctioneers in London - more than twice the guide price of between €350,000 and €400,000.
During the Indian mutiny, known in India as the first war of independence, on November 9th, 1857, Kavanagh was involved in the lifting of the siege of Lucknow. The British garrison in the town was besieged for almost six months during the mutiny by rebel sepoys (Indian-born British soldiers).
Kavanagh’s wife and 10 children were among those caught up in the mutiny. His wife was injured and his eldest son Cecil died of sickness during the siege. Kavanagh was 36 at the time and a career civil servant with the East Indian Company, which administered India on behalf of the British government.
During the siege he disguised himself as a badmash - a type of Indian gang member - and darkened his face with lampblack. He and his Indian guide would certainly have been killed had they been caught.
He made his way through enemy lines to the British troops commanded by Sir Colin Campbell on the outskirts of the city and guided them to where the rebel garrison was stationed.
His bravery made him a hero in Victorian Britain. The citation for his medal was gazetted in July 1859 and was awarded by Queen Victoria in January 1860.
Links:
www.irishtimes.com/history/20...
gibraltarinsight.com/2021/01/...
www.memorialstovalour.co.uk/vc...

[@toofattoskate1]

Excellent video thanks

[@conorbruce]

Very interesting.

[@PaulChaneymusic]

Excellent and informative

[@brianbolger3800]

Very interesting indeed

[@Brunosadventures]

I concur

[@Brunosadventures]

PS what does VC stand for?

[@AdventureIreland]

Victoria Cross, most recipients have VC after their name to indicate they were recipients.