| Victoria Cross Recipient | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Name | William Coffey | ||
| Born | 5 August 1829 | ||
| Died | 13 July 1875 (aged 45) | ||
| Rank | Private | ||
| Number | 3837 | ||
| Battalion | 34th Regiment of Foot | ||
| Action date | 29 March 1855 | ||
| Citation date | 24 February 1857[1] | ||
| Border Regiment Victoria Cross Citations | |||
Citation
“For having on the 29th March, 1855, thrown a lighted shell that fell into the trench over the parapet.” [2]
Notes
William Coffey was born in Knocklong, County Limerick, on the 5 August 1829. He saw action in the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny and during his service he achieved the rank of sergeant. It was reported that he died by suicide (shot himself) in the Army drill shed Sheffield, 13 July 1875. However his death certificate shows he died of dysentery at Stonegravels, Chesterfield. He was buried in Spital Cemetery, Chesterfield. Originally he was buried in an unmarked, common plot but in 1970 a stone, provided by the Border Regiment, was put on his grave following a service.[3]. His Victoria Cross is currently displayed at the The King's Own Royal Border Regiment & Border Regiment (Carlisle, Cumbria, England).[1]
See also
- See also: The Story of Sergeant William Coffey, V.C., D.C.M. by Simon Gaine.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Grave locations for holders of the Victoria Cross in Derbyshire
- ↑ London Gazette: (Supplement) no.21971, p.659
- ↑ William Coffey Wikipedia: The free encyclopaedia. Accessed 6 February, 2017.