Peter Gill (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Gill
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Born | Dublin, Ireland |
September , 1831
Died | 26 July 1868 Morar, British India |
(aged 36)
Buried |
Artillery Lines Cemetery, Gwalior
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Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ |
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Rank | Lieutenant |
Battles/wars | Indian Mutiny |
Awards | Victoria Cross |
Peter Gill (born September 1831 – died July 26, 1868) was a very brave Irish soldier. He was born in Dublin, Ireland. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for bravery. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries who show amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Heroic Actions
Peter Gill was about 25 years old when he showed incredible bravery. He was a sergeant-major in the Loodiana Regiment. This happened during a time called the Indian Mutiny on June 4, 1857, in Benares, India.
Peter Gill and another soldier, Sergeant-Major Matthew Rosamund, were both given the Victoria Cross for their brave actions. They volunteered to rescue Captain Brown and his family. They brought them safely from a separate house to the army barracks.
Earlier that evening, Peter Gill also saved the life of a Quartermaster-Sergeant. A Sepoy (an Indian soldier) had just attacked the sergeant with a bayonet. Peter Gill quickly fought off the attacker, saving the sergeant's life.
Sergeant-Major Gill also bravely faced a group of 27 men with only a sergeant's sword. He is also remembered for saving Major Barrett's life twice when he was attacked by Sepoys.
Peter Gill later became a lieutenant, which is a higher rank for an officer. Sadly, he was killed in action in Morar, Gwalior, India, on July 26, 1868.