NAM.1960-07-4-1

Victoria Cross, 1881. From a medal group awarded to Sgt J Danagher (or Danaher), 2nd Bn Connaught Rangers (formerly Trooper, Nourse’s Horse), for his actions at Elandsfontein, near Pretoria, on 16 Jan 1881. On 16th January 1881, Tpr Danagher, with L/Cpl James Murray of the Connaught Rangers, advanced for 500 yards, while under heavy fire from about 60 of the enemy, and brought out from the action zone a private from the 21st Foot who had been severely wounded. Tpr Danagher and L/Cpl Murray also advanced under fire to rescue two men, Davis and Byrne of the 21st Foot (2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers), who had both been badly wounded. The two rescuers reached the men together and on stooping to lift Byrne's head, L/Cpl Murray was shot through the body. Realising the seriousness of his wound, L/Cpl Murray ordered Tpr Danagher to escape. L/Cpl Murray remained with Byrne, who died shortly afterwards. Murray and Davis were subsequently taken prisoner by the Boers but released soon after. Sgt Danagher was also awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He was born on 25th June 1860 in Limerick, Ireland. He joined the Connaught Rangers in 1881. At the end of his military career he was discharged on pension and died in Ireland on 9 Jan 1919.

Elandsfontein, Action at, 1881 (Transvaal War 1880-1881)