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John Farrell

1826 – 1865

British Army soldier and Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross

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About John Farrell

Lived 1826 – 1865 (aged 38–39). John Farrell was an Irish soldier.

John Farrell VC (March 1826, Dublin – 31 August 1865) was an Irish soldier who 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 born in March 1826 in Dublin, Ireland. In 1843 he joined the Army, serving first with the 85th Foot and then the 17th Lancers, with whom he travelled to the Crimea in 1854.

Farrell was a sergeant in the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own), British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:

After serving in the Indian Mutiny in 1858 and achieving the rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant, Farrell transferred to the 2nd Light Cavalry, Indian Army. He was serving with that unit at Secunderabad India when on 31 August 1865 he died from a liver abscess.

His VC is not publicly owned.

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Important facts

Born
1826, Dublin
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Victoria Cross

People in John Farrell's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Farrell's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Farrell?

British Army soldier and Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross (1826–1865)

When was John Farrell born?

John Farrell was born in 1826 in Dublin.

When did John Farrell die?

John Farrell died on 31 August 1865 in Secunderabad.

What was John Farrell's occupation?

John Farrell was a soldier.

What nationality was John Farrell?

John Farrell was Irish.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Farrell

· Wikidata: Q4481314

· DBpedia: John Farrell (VC)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Farrell. https://biography.guide/john-farrell-soldier/

MLA: "John Farrell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-farrell-soldier/.

Chicago: "John Farrell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-farrell-soldier/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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