John Thornton Down
British military officer (1842–1866); recipient of the Victoria Cross
About John Thornton Down
Lived 1842 – 1866 (aged 24). John Thornton Down was a British military personnel.
John Thornton Down (2 March 1842 – 27 April 1866) was a British Army officer and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Victoria Cross Down was 21 years old, and an ensign in the 57th Regiment of Foot (later The Middlesex Regiment), British Army during the Second Taranaki War (one of the campaigns in the New Zealand Wars), when the following deed took place on 2 October 1863 at Poutoko, New Zealand for which he and Drummer Dudley Stagpoole were awarded the VC:
Down died of fever at Camp Otahuhu on 27 April 1866. His grave in Ōtāhuhu (Holy Trinity) Churchyard is maintained by the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Thornton Down?
British military officer (1842–1866); recipient of the Victoria Cross
When was John Thornton Down born?
John Thornton Down was born on 2 March 1842 in Fulham.
When did John Thornton Down die?
John Thornton Down died on 27 April 1866 in Ōtāhuhu.
What was John Thornton Down's occupation?
John Thornton Down was a military personnel.
What nationality was John Thornton Down?
John Thornton Down was British.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: John Thornton Down
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Thornton Down. https://biography.guide/john-thornton-down/
MLA: "John Thornton Down." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-thornton-down/.
Chicago: "John Thornton Down." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-thornton-down/.
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