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John Berryman
CatonWoodvilleLightBrigade.jpeg
Depiction of the Charge of the Light Brigade
Born (1825-07-18)18 July 1825
Dudley, England
Died 27 June 1896(1896-06-27) (aged 70)
Woldingham, England
Buried
St Agatha's Churchyard, Woldingham
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank Major
Unit 17th Lancers
5th Lancers
Battles/wars Crimean War
Anglo-Zulu War
Awards Victoria Cross

John Berryman (born July 18, 1825 – died June 27, 1896) was a brave soldier in the British Army. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and other Commonwealth countries.

A Heroic Act

John Berryman was born in Dudley, England. When he was 29 years old, he was a Troop Sergeant-Major in the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own). This was during the Crimean War.

On October 25, 1854, a famous battle happened at Balaklava, in Crimea. This event is also known as the Charge of the Light Brigade. During this battle, John Berryman's horse was shot, and he was left on the battlefield.

Even though bullets and shells were flying everywhere, he stopped to help a wounded officer. Two other sergeants, John Farrell and Joseph Malone, joined him. Together, they bravely carried the injured officer away from the dangerous gunfire. This act of courage earned John Berryman the Victoria Cross.

Later Life and Career

After his heroic actions, John Berryman continued his military career. He later became a Major, which is a higher rank in the army. In 1880, he moved to a different army unit called the 5th Lancers.

Major Berryman passed away in Woldingham, Surrey.

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