James Davis (VC)
James Davis VC (February 1835 - 2 March 1893) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
His full name was James Davis Kelly, but he dropped Kelly when he enlisted[1]
Details
He was approximately 23 years old, and a private in the 42nd Regiment of Foot, later The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 15 April 1858 during the attack on Fort Ruhya, India, Private Davis, who was with an advance party, offered to carry back to the regiment the body of a lieutenant who had been killed at the gate of the fort. He performed this gallant act under the very walls of the fort.
References
- Harvey, David, Monuments to Courage, 1999
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Ross, Graham, Scotland's Forgotten Valour, 1995