Bernard McQuirt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard McQuirt
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| Born | 1829 Donaghcloney, County Armagh |
| Died | 5 October 1888 (aged 58–59) Belfast, Ireland |
| Buried |
Belfast City Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 95th Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Bernard McQuirt (1829 – 5 October 1888) was a brave British soldier. He was born in Donaghcloney, County Down. Bernard McQuirt received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
A Moment of Great Bravery
Bernard McQuirt was about 29 years old when he showed incredible courage. He was a Private in the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot, which was part of the British Army. This happened during the Indian Mutiny on January 6, 1858. His unit was capturing a town called Rowa in India.
During the fight, Bernard McQuirt faced three enemy soldiers all by himself. He fought them hand-to-hand. He managed to kill one of them and wound another. Even though he was badly hurt, he kept fighting. He received five cuts from a sword and was shot by a musket during this brave act. Because of his amazing courage and fighting spirit, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Remembering a Hero
Bernard McQuirt died in Belfast on October 5, 1888. For a long time, no one knew where he was buried. In 1993, a man named Robert Burns, who worked for the Belfast City Council, found Bernard McQuirt's burial records. He discovered that Bernard was buried in the Belfast City Cemetery.
Since there was no gravestone, Robert Burns contacted the Sherwood Foresters Museum in England. They offered to pay for a memorial stone. It was tricky to find a place for the stone. After some discussions, a local church minister in Donaghcloney offered a spot in the local church graveyard. This was a special place because Donaghcloney was where Bernard McQuirt was born.
In the year 2000, a special ceremony was held. Soldiers from the British Army dedicated the memorial stone to Bernard McQuirt. The stone has an inscription that honors him. It says: "Sacred to the memory of Private Bernard McQuirt VC 95th The Derbyshire Regiment who won the regiment's first VC at ROWA CENTRAL INDIA 6th January 1858 he died 5 October 1888 "NINETY – FIVE"". This stone helps everyone remember his incredible bravery.
