James Henry Reynolds was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 34 years old, and a Surgeon Major in the Army Medical Department (later Royal Army Medical Corps) , British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 22 January/23 January 1879, at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, Surgeon Major Reynolds attended the wounded under fire and voluntarily carried ammunition from the store to the defenders of the hospital, exposing himself to cross-fire from the enemy in doing so.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum (Aldershot, England).

Reference

• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

See also

External links

• James Henry Reynolds (biography, photos, memorial details)
• Location of grave and VC medal (W. London)
• Surgeon-Major J.H. Reynolds
• Rorke's Drift (information within Frederick Hitch site)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.