b. 1835 Dromkeen, Ireland. d. 29/08/1893 St Johns, Limerick, Ireland.
Joseph Bradshaw (1835-1893) was born in Pettigreen, Dromkeen, Ireland, sometime in 1835. He enlisted with the 2nd Battalion of The Prince Consort’s Own Rifle Brigade prior to the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854.
Joseph Bradshaw VC
On his arrival in the Crimea, Bradshaw was heavily involved for the majority of his time with the Siege of Sebastopol. On 22nd April 1855, a Russian rifle pit, situated among some rocks overhanging the Woronzoff Road, between the 3rd parallel, right attack, and the Quarries (held by the enemy), was occupied every night by the Russians, and their riflemen commanded a portion of the left attack, impeding the work in a new battery then being erected on the extreme right front of the 2nd parallel, left attack. It was carried in daylight on 22nd April by two riflemen, one being Joseph Bradshaw who attacked and captured the position.
Bradshaw was awarded the Victoria Cross on 24th February 1857, and this was awarded along with the French War Medal, Turkish Medal and Crimean Medal. He was present at the first investiture in Hyde Park on 26th June 1857, and was personally presented with the medal by Queen Victoria.
Bradshaw later served in the Indian Mutiny and was particularly singled out for his gallantry on 9th February 1858, when the objective of the day was to drive the rebels out of the Yellow Bungalow. Lieutenant Cooper and Corporal Bradshaw were the first over the wall of the compound surrounding it. The position was taken.
Little is known of Bradshaw’s life following the army, and he died on 29th August 1893 in St John’s, Limerick, Ireland. He was buried in the grounds of St John’s Cathedral, Limerick, but the grave location is unknown. His Victoria Cross and French War Medal are held by the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester, Hampshire. Sadly, his other medals are missing.
LOCATION OF MEDAL:ROYAL GREEN JACKETS MUSEUM, WINCHESTER, HANTS.
BURIAL PLACE: ST JOHNS CATHEDRAL, ST JOHNS, LIMERICK,IRELAND.
(GRAVE LOCATION IS UNKNOWN).
