b. 22/11/1844 Manchester, Lancashire, England. d. 17/04/1907 Manchester, Lancashire, England.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 24/09/1864 Luray, Virginia.
Born in Manchester in 1844, he journeyed to Fall River, Massachusetts, America, to visit his brother, but he joined the Union Army when war broke out. The nonconformist working class community in his native city were strongly opposed to slavery, and this opposition continued despite the hardships resulting from the Union blockade and the consequent ‘cotton famine’. Philip fought in eight major battles and was seriously wounded twice as two of his horses were shot beneath him. He was awarded the American equivalent of the Victoria Cross after snatching the enemy flag while fighting for the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry. When he returned to Britain, he had eight children but never fully recovered from his injuries and died in 1907 aged 62.
Baybutt was buried in Southern Cemetery, Manchester. His headstone made no mention of his involvement in the American Civil War. In 2002, Baybutt’s granddaughter unveiled a commemorative headstone citing Baybutt award of the Medal of Honour at a ceremony held on the 138th anniversary of the Battle of Yagers Mill.
MOH CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Philip Baybutt, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 24 September 1864, while serving with Company A, 2d Massachusetts Cavalry, in action at Luray, Virginia, for capture of flag.
BURIAL LOCATION: SOUTHERN CEMETERY, CHORLTON-CUM-HARDY, LANCASHIRE.
Grave H 2085 C, E Part
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
