b. 1835 Glasgow, Scotland. d. 14/06/1858 Lucknow, India.
James Park (1835-1858) was the youngest of the gun crews who was awarded the VC for his actions during the Relief of Lucknow in November 1857. Born in Barony, Glasgow in 1835, he enlisted with the Bengal Artillery in 1855, at the age of just 20. He was soon posted to India and was present on the outbreak of the Mutiny two years later.
James Park VC Medal
During the period of 14th to 22nd November 1857, he was part of the Relief of Lucknow, where the details of his actual actions are not known, though were noted by his fellow NCOs, who elected him for the VC under clause 13 of the Royal Warrant. Sadly, Park didn’t live long enough to receive his VC as he contracted cholera in Lucknow and died on 14th June 1858, aged just 23. The location of his final resting place is unknown. His citation for the VC would be published six months after his death on 24th December 1858. His medal was auctioned in 1983 and was sold for a hammer price of £4,000 to a private collector. It is still in private ownership.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: SOLD AT DNW ON 27/09/2017 FOR £70,000) – PRIVATELY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: UNKNOWN IN INDIA.
Acknowledgement:
Terry Hissey – James Park VC’s name on the Woolwich Barracks Honours Board.