William Lendrim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Lendrim
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| Born | 1 January 1830 Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, Ireland |
| Died | 28 November 1891 (aged 61) Camberley, Surrey |
| Buried |
Royal Military Academy Cemetery, Camberley
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1847–1871 |
| Rank | Sergeant-Major |
| Unit | Royal Engineers |
| Battles/wars | Crimean War Indian Mutiny |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Médaille militaire |
William James Lendrim was a very brave Irish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
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William Lendrim's Bravery
William Lendrim was 25 years old when he showed incredible courage during the Crimean War. At that time, he was a corporal in the Royal Sappers and Miners, a part of the British Army.
Heroic Actions in Crimea
During the Siege of Sevastopol in Crimea, William Lendrim performed several acts of bravery:
- February 14, 1855: He led 150 French soldiers in building a battery (a place for cannons). He did this even though they were under heavy enemy fire. He also helped fix damaged defenses.
- April 11, 1855: He climbed onto a gunpowder storage area (called a magazine) while it was being shot at. He put out burning sandbags and fixed a hole in the structure.
- April 20, 1855: He was one of only four volunteers who bravely destroyed a screen. The Russians had built this screen to hide their advance rifle-pits (small trenches for shooters).
Later Life and Legacy
After the Crimean War, William Lendrim continued his military career. He rose to the rank of Sergeant-Major. He also worked at the Staff College in Frimley.
William Lendrim married a woman named Louisa. They had 12 children, all of whom were alive in 1881. He passed away in Camberley, Surrey, on November 28, 1891, when he was 61 years old. He is buried at the Royal Military Academy Cemetery.
His Victoria Cross Medal
You can see William Lendrim's Victoria Cross medal today. It is on display at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, England.
