Charles Irwin

Charles Irwin, VC, was born in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, and was an Irish 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.

Details

Irwin was approximately 33 years old, and a private in the 53rd Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 16 November 1857 at the Relief of Lucknow for which he was awarded the VC:

Further information

Service Record:

18th Regiment of Foot
3168 53rd Shropshire Regiment
87th Regiment of Foot between Jan 1860 – 30 June 1860.

His entry in the Canon Lummis files states that: "Judging from numerous entries in the muster roles as to imprisonment, he appears to have been a bad hat."
He died on 29 March 1873 at Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, Ireland, and was buried in Saint Mark's Churchyard, near Magheraveely in the south-east of County Fermanagh.

Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The King's Shropshire Light Infantry Museum at Shrewsbury Castle.