The directory «Plots»

McWheeney William
(1837—1866)

William McWheeney was born in Bangor, County Down. He was an Irishman and a 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. He was about 17 years old, and a sergeant in the 44th Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 20 October 1854 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, a party of sharpshooters were being repulsed from the Quarries, and a private from the 44th Regiment was dangerously wounded. Sergeant McWheeney took the wounded man on his back and carried him to a place of safety under very heavy fire. On 5 December he saved the life of a corporal, bringing him in under fire and digging a slight cover with his bayonet, where the two of them remained until dark. On 18 June 1855 Sergeant McWheeney volunteered for the advanced guard in the Cemetery and was never absent from duty during the war. He died Dover, Kent, 17 May 1866.

Nauru, 2008, McWheeney saving wounded Corporol Courtney