b. 11/10/1826 Nigg, Scotland. d. 05/02/1871 Inverness, Scotland.
James Munro (1826-1871) was born on the 11th October 1826, the son of James and Effie Munro, in Nigg, Ross-shire, Scotland. He joined the 93rd Regiment of Foot (later Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) on 27th April 1846. He remained a Private for six years before being promoted to Corporal in April 1853, and Sergeant in June 1854, by which time he was serving in the Crimean War. Although the 93rd Regiment served at both Alma and Balaklava, Munro only took part in the action at the Siege of Sebastopol, and has that on his Crimean Medal. Munro served in the Crimea for 18 months before he moved with the 93rd to India, where he was promoted to Colour Sergeant in February 1857.
James Munro VC
On 16th November 1857, at the Secundra Bagh, during the assault on Lucknow, Munro rushed to the aid of Captain Walsh, of the 93rd, who was dangerously wounded. Munro picked Walsh up and carried him to a place of safety, despite being badly wounded himself. Munro was recommended for, and was awarded the VC (citation, 8th November 1860) for his actions.
Captain Walsh survived his wounds, but Munro’s were so severe that he was returned to Britain and at a Board held on 26th October 1858 he was declared unfit for army service. Munro was presented with his VC by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on 9th November 1860, the day after the publication of his citation. Munro suffered badly following his discharge from the Army, and eventually he was committed to the Inverness District Asylum on 31st March 1870.
His health continued to deteriorate and he died in Craig Dunain Hospital on 15th February 1871, aged just 45. There is no record of his burial though it was believed to be an unmarked grave in the Asylum Cemetery. His grave remained unmarked until 2002 when a memorial stone was placed in Craig Dunain Hospital Cemetery. His medals are held by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Stirling Castle.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: ARGYLL/SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS, STIRLING, SCOTLAND.
BURIAL PLACE: CRAIG DUNAIN HOSPITAL CEMETERY, INVERNESS, SCOTLAND.
Acknowledgements:
Andy Wright – Munro VC Medal Group at Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Stirling.
Thomas Stewart – Munro’s name on the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Honours Board.