Denis Dynon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denis Dynon
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| Born | September 1822 Kilmannon, Queen's County |
| Died | 16 February 1863 (aged 40-41) Dublin, Ireland |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 44th Regiment of Foot 53rd Regiment of Foot |
| Battles/wars | First Anglo-Sikh War Second Anglo-Sikh War Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Denis Dynon (born September 1822 – died 16 February 1863) was a brave Irish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for showing amazing courage in battle. It is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries.
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Early Military Service
Denis Dynon was born in Kilmannon, which is in Queen's County, Ireland. He joined the army and first served in the 44th Regiment of Foot. In 1844, he moved to the 53rd Regiment of Foot.
He fought in several important wars in India. These included the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846) and the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849). These wars were fought between the British and the Sikh Empire.
Bravery During the Indian Mutiny
When he was about 35 years old, Sergeant Dynon showed incredible bravery. This happened during the Indian Mutiny (also known as the First War of Indian Independence). This was a major uprising against British rule in India.
On October 2, 1857, Sergeant Dynon was fighting in Ghota Behar, India. He and another officer, Lieutenant John Charles Campbell Daunt, were part of a small group of soldiers. They faced a group of rebels who were firing cannons at them.
The rebels were using "grape shot" from their cannons. This is a type of ammunition that scatters many small metal balls. It was causing a lot of damage to the British soldiers. About one-third of their group was already hurt.
Capturing Enemy Cannons
Despite the danger, Sergeant Dynon and Lieutenant Daunt bravely rushed forward. They attacked the rebel cannons. They managed to capture two of these guns. This was a very dangerous act, as the gunners were still firing. They even used their pistols to fight the gunners.
Their actions helped to save many lives in their detachment. For this amazing act of courage, both Sergeant Dynon and Lieutenant Daunt were awarded the Victoria Cross.
53rd Regiment. No. 2165 Serjeant Denis Dynon
Lieutenant Daunt and Serjeant Dynon are recommended for conspicuous gallantry in action, on the 2nd of October, 1857, with the Mutineers of the Ramgurh Battalion at Ghota Behar, in capturing two guns, particularly the last, when they rushed at and captured it by pistoling the gunners, who were mowing the detachment down with grape, one-third of which were hors de combat at the time
Later Life and Legacy
After his brave service, Denis Dynon had to leave the army. He became ill and was admitted to Kilmainham Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He passed away on February 16, 1863, at the age of 40 or 41. His burial place is not known.
Today, his Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London. It serves as a reminder of his extraordinary courage.
Images for kids
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The Victoria Cross medal
