John Danaher (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Danaher
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| Born | 25 June 1860 Limerick |
| Died | 9 January 1919 (aged 58) Portsmouth, England |
| Buried |
Milton Cemetery, Portsmouth, England
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
South African Forces British Army |
| Years of service | 1880 - 1908 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Nourse's Horse (Transvaal), South African Forces 2nd Battalion, Connaught Rangers |
| Battles/wars | First Boer War |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
John Danaher was an Irish soldier who received the Victoria Cross (VC). The Victoria Cross is the highest and most important award given for bravery to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. He was also known as John Danagher. He was born on June 25, 1860, and passed away on January 9, 1919, at the age of 58.
Early Life and Military Start
John Danaher was born in Limerick, Ireland. After finishing school, he moved to South Africa. When the First Boer War began, John Danaher joined a group called the Nourse's Horse (Transvaal), which was part of the South African Forces.
A Brave Act: The Victoria Cross
John Danaher was 20 years old and a soldier called a Trooper. He was on a trip from Pretoria with his unit, Nourse's Horse (Transvaal). On January 16, 1881, something very brave happened at Elandsfontein, near Pretoria, South Africa.
Trooper Danaher and a lance-corporal named James Murray from the Connaught Rangers moved forward about 500 yards. They were under heavy gunfire from about 60 enemy soldiers. Despite the danger, they managed to rescue a fellow soldier who was badly wounded. Because of this incredibly brave act, John Danaher was given the Victoria Cross.
Later Military Career and Life
John Danaher left Nourse's Horse in March 1881. After that, he joined a British Army unit called the Connaught Rangers. In 1882, he returned to Limerick with the Rangers. He continued to serve and eventually became a sergeant. John Danaher retired from the military in 1908.
After his military service, he moved to Portsmouth, England. There, he became a publican, which means he ran a pub. He was the landlord of the Dog & Duck Public House in Portsmouth from 1913 until he passed away on January 9, 1919. His wife, Mrs. B. Danagher, took over the pub after him, and later their son became the landlord.
John Danaher's Victoria Cross medal is now kept at the National Army Museum in Chelsea, England.
