John Farrell (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Farrell
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A painting showing the Charge of the Light Brigade
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| Born | March 1826 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 31 August 1865 (aged 39) Secunderabad, India |
| Buried |
Secunderabad Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Quartermaster-Sergeant |
| Unit | 17th Lancers |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
John Farrell was an Irish soldier in the British Army. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, in March 1826. John Farrell is famous for being awarded the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for bravery in the face of the enemy given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries. He showed incredible courage during a famous battle called the Charge of the Light Brigade.
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What is the Victoria Cross?
The Victoria Cross, often called the VC, is the top military award for bravery in the United Kingdom and many other countries that were once part of the British Empire. It is given to soldiers who show amazing courage and selflessness when facing the enemy. The award was created by Queen Victoria in 1856. It is made from the bronze of Russian cannons captured during the Crimean War.
The Crimean War and the Light Brigade
John Farrell was a sergeant in a cavalry unit called the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own). He fought in the Crimean War, which took place from 1853 to 1856. This war was fought between Russia and an alliance of countries, including Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire.
One of the most famous events of the Crimean War was the Charge of the Light Brigade. This happened on 25 October 1854, during the Battle of Balaklava in Crimea. It was a cavalry charge where British light cavalry soldiers rode directly into a valley filled with Russian cannons. It was a very dangerous and brave, but also very costly, attack.
Farrell's Amazing Bravery
During the Charge of the Light Brigade, Sergeant John Farrell showed incredible bravery. His horse was killed from under him, leaving him on the ground in the middle of the battle. Even though cannonballs and bullets were flying all around him, he did not run away.
Instead, he stopped to help others. He worked with two other brave soldiers, Troop Sergeant Major John Berryman and Sergeant Joseph Malone. Together, they helped to move a badly wounded officer out of the range of the enemy guns. This act of courage, putting his own life at risk to save another, earned him the Victoria Cross.
Life After the War
After the Crimean War, John Farrell continued his service in the British Army. He was promoted to the rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant. Sadly, John Farrell was killed in action on 31 August 1865. This happened in Secunderabad, which was part of British India at the time. He was 39 years old when he died.
Images for kids
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A painting showing the Charge of the Light Brigade
