b. 10/1858 Deccan, India. d. 20/11/1919 Plaistow, London.
Patrick Mullane (1858-1919) was born in October 1858 in Ahmednagar, Deccan, India. Little is known about his life, until he enlisted with the Royal Horse Artillery, and he began his service in India. He rose to the rank of Sergeant, and was eventually posted to serve in the Afghan War.
Patrick Mullane VC
On 27th July 1880, during the action at Maiwand, Driver Pickwell Istead was severely wounded. The battery to which Sergeant Mullane belonged was at the point of retiring, and the enemy were closing in to within 10-15 yards of their position. Without hesitation, Mullane ran back and picked up Driver Istead and placed him on the limber. Sadly, he died of his wounds soon afterwards. Then, during the retreat, Sergeant Mullane volunteered to procure water for the wounded, and succeeded in doing so by going into the nearby village.
Mullane was gazetted for the Victoria Cross on 16th May 1881, and was presented with his medal on 11th July 1881 at Poona Racecourse by Lord Roberts VC. After his investiture, he returned to India to serve, rising to the rank of Regimental Sergeant-Major. Following his service, he returned to England, where he settled in London. He died on 20th November 1919 at his home, 31 Coronation Road, Plaistow, at the age of 61. He was buried in an unmarked grave in St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Leytonstone. A headstone has been placed near to the site of his grave. His medals are not publicly held.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NOT PUBLICLY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: ST PATRICK’S CEMETERY, LEYTONSTONE, ESSEX. PLOT 11A, ROW 79.
