Joseph Bradshaw (VC) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joseph Bradshaw
Born	1835 Dromkeen, County Limerick
Died	29 August 1893 (aged 57-58) St Johns, Limerick
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Corporal
Unit	2nd Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)
Battles/wars	Crimean War Indian Mutiny
Awards	Victoria Cross Médaille Militaire

Joseph Bradshaw (born 1835 – died August 29, 1893) was a brave soldier from Dromkeen, County Limerick, Ireland. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest and most important award for bravery in battle given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.

A Heroic Act

Joseph Bradshaw was about 20 years old during the Crimean War. He was a private (a common soldier) in the 2nd Battalion of The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), which was part of the British Army.

On April 22, 1855, in a place called the Crimea, Private Bradshaw showed incredible courage. He and another private named Robert Humpston decided to attack a Russian rifle pit. A rifle pit was a small trench or hole where enemy soldiers would hide and shoot from.

This particular rifle pit was very important. It was located among rocks that overlooked a road called the Woronzoff Road. Russian soldiers used this pit every night. Capturing and destroying it was a very big deal for the British forces. Bradshaw and Humpston bravely attacked it all by themselves and managed to take control of it.

Later Life and Legacy

After his heroic actions, Joseph Bradshaw continued his service. He was later promoted to the rank of corporal.

Corporal Bradshaw passed away on August 29, 1893, in St Johns, Limerick, County Limerick. He was around 57 or 58 years old.

His Victoria Cross medal is a very important historical item. You can see it displayed at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum. This museum is located in Winchester, Hampshire, England. It helps people remember the incredible bravery of soldiers like Joseph Bradshaw.