John Dunlay

Who was John Dunlay?

John Dunlay VC, also known as John Dunley or John Dunlea was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was approximately 26 years old, and a Lance-Corporal in the 93rd Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed on 16 November 1857 at Lucknow, India, took place for which he was awarded the VC:

Lance-Corporal J. Dunlay. Date of Act of Bravery, 16th November, 1857

For being the first man, now surviving, of the Regiment, who, on the 16th November, 1857 entered one of the breaches in the Secundra Bagh, at Lucknow, with Captain Burroughs, whom he most gallantly supported against superior numbers.

Elected by the private soldiers of the Regiment.

Secundra Bagh is a villa and country estate on the outskirts of Lucknow, India.

Dunlea was born in Douglas, County Cork and died in the South Infirmary, Cork on 17 October 1890.