William Reynolds VC (1827 – 20 October 1869) was a Scottish 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. Reynolds was the first private to receive the award.
William Reynolds | |
|---|---|
 Depiction of the battle of Alma | |
| Born | 1827 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 20 October 1869 (aged 41-42) Strand, London |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  British Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Scots Fusilier Guards |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Details
edit
He was about 27 years old, and a private in the Scots Fusilier Guards, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 20 September 1854 at the Battle of the Alma, Crimean Peninsula, when the formation of the line was disordered, Private Reynolds behaved with conspicuous gallantry, in rallying the men round the Colours.[1]
Reynolds was personally presented with the Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria at the first VC investiture held at Hyde Park, London, on 26 June 1857.[2]
Further information
editHe later achieved the rank of corporal.
The medal
editHis Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Scots Guards RHQ), Wellington Barracks, Chelsea, London, England.
References
edit- ^ "No. 21971". The London Gazette. 24 February 1857. p. 657.
- ^ The Victoria Cross and the George Cross: The Complete History - Volume 1 1854-1914, Published by Methuen, London, 2013, ISBN 978-0-413-77218-3, pp. 8–9. An errata states that the biographical details for James McKechnie and William Reynolds were incorrectely listed under the other's name.
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
External links
edit- Scots Guards Regimental and Association Website
- Location of grave and VC medal (Brookwood Cemetery)
- The Brookwood Cemetery Society (Known Holders of the Victoria Cross Commemorated in Brookwood Cemetery)
- Special ceremony at Edinburgh Castle in April 2007
- William Reynolds at Find a Grave