Quick Facts
Biography
Valentine Bambrick VC (13 April 1837 – 1 April 1864) was a 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 21 years old, and a private in the 1st Battalion, 60th Rifles (later The King's Royal Rifle Corps), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 6 May 1858 at Bareilly, India for which he was awarded the VC as recorded in the London Gazette:
For conspicuous bravery at Bareilly, on the 6th of May, 1858, when in a Serai, he was attacked by three Ghazees, one of whom he cut down. He was wounded twice on this occasion.
Later life and death
Bambrick was one of eight men whose VCs were forfeited. He was stripped of the medal on 4 September 1861 after being convicted of assault and theft of a comrade's medals.
He committed suicide in Pentonville Prison, London on 1 April 1864. He was buried in an unmarked grave in St Pancras and Islington Cemetery which could not be located, but a memorial plaque to him was placed in 2002.