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John Alexander

d. 1857

Recipient of the Victoria Cross

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About John Alexander

John Alexander was an Irish military personnel.

John Alexander VC (died 24 September 1857) was a British Army soldier and an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to a member of the British and Commonwealth forces.

Born in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Alexander was a private in the 90th Perthshire Light Infantry (later known as The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)), during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:

On 18 June 1855 after the attack on the Redan at Sebastopol, Alexander went out from the trenches under very heavy fire and brought in several wounded men. On 6 September, when he was with a working party in the most advanced trench, he went out under heavy fire and helped to bring in a captain who was severely wounded.

He was later killed in action during the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny in British India on 24 September 1857.

The medal Private Alexander's Victoria Cross is displayed at the National War Museum of Scotland at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.

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Important facts

Born
Mullingar
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Victoria Cross; Médaille Militaire

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Alexander?

recipient of the Victoria Cross

When was John Alexander born?

John Alexander was born in Mullingar.

When did John Alexander die?

John Alexander died on 24 September 1857 in Alambagh.

What was John Alexander's occupation?

John Alexander was a military personnel.

What nationality was John Alexander?

John Alexander was Irish.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Alexander

· Wikidata: Q6218535

· DBpedia: John Alexander (VC)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Alexander. https://biography.guide/john-alexander-military-personnel/

MLA: "John Alexander." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-alexander-military-personnel/.

Chicago: "John Alexander." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-alexander-military-personnel/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-24 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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