NAM.1956-02-276-1

Victoria Cross, 1857. Awarded to (1863) Sgt James McGuire, 1st Bengal European Fusiliers for his action on the 14th September 1857 at Delhi during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). At Kabul Gate whilst reserve ammunition was being carried onto the ramparts to be stowed away, three boxes were exploded and two set on fire by a shot from the enemy. Sgt McGuire and (1874) Dmr Ryan, who formed part of the ammunition guard, seeing the danger of the fire extending to the remaining boxes, seized the two that were alight and threw them over the ramparts in to the canal below. Dmr Ryan was also awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions. On 22nd December 1862 Sgt McGuire forfeited his decoration by Royal Warrant for felony. James McGuire was born at Enniskillen, Ireland where he became a labourer by occupation. On 29th March 1849 he enlisted at Enniskillen for ten years in the Honourable East India Company's Service. He sailed for India in the troopship Ellenborough, where he arrived on 10th October 1849. Sgt McGuire served in the Burmese War (1852-1853), where he received the Medal with a clasp for Pegu. After his service in the India Mutiny, Sgt McGuire was discharged on 16th May 1859 to a pension of one shilling a day. Fitted in a wooden case with a silver inscription.

Delhi, Siege of, 1857 (Indian Mutiny 1857-1859)