Michael Sleavon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael Sleavon
Born	1826 Magheraculmoney, County Fermanagh
Died	15 August 1902 (aged 75-76) Dromard,Kesh County Fermanagh
Buried	Bannagh Roman Catholic Churchyard, Ederney
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Corporal
Unit	Royal Engineers
Battles/wars	Indian Mutiny
Awards	Victoria Cross

Michael Sleavon was a brave Irish soldier. He was born in 1826 in Magheraculmoney, County Fermanagh, Ireland. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the British military. He passed away on August 15, 1902, in Dromard, County Sligo.

Michael Sleavon: A Brave Soldier

Michael Sleavon was a corporal in the Corps of Royal Engineers. This means he was a non-commissioned officer in a special army unit. They built things like bridges and trenches. He served during a time called the Indian Mutiny. This was a major uprising in India in the mid-1800s.

His Heroic Actions

Michael Sleavon showed amazing courage when he was 31 years old. This happened on April 3, 1858, in a place called Jhansi, India. The army was attacking the Fort of Jhansi. During this attack, Michael Sleavon was working at the front of a "sap." A sap is a trench dug to get closer to an enemy's position.

Even though there was heavy enemy fire, he kept working. He stayed in his position with great calm and determination. His bravery was truly outstanding. Because of his actions that day, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

What is the Victoria Cross?

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military award. It is given for extreme bravery. It is awarded to members of the armed forces in the United Kingdom and some other countries. It is given for acts of courage "in the presence of the enemy."

Later Life and Burial

Michael Sleavon lived until 1902. He died in Dromard, County Sligo, on August 15, 1902. He was buried in the Bannagh Roman Catholic Churchyard. This churchyard is located near Tubrid in County Fermanagh.