On 5 November, the anniversary of the Battle of Inkerman, Plymouth has a chance to remember one of its Victoria Cross recipients: Royal Artillery gunner Andrew Henry
Henry was born in Woolwich and joined the Royal Artillery as a young man. Before serving in the Crimea, he was a drummer in the regiment’s band. By the time of the battle at Inkerman in 1854, he was a sergeant major responsible for a field battery.
The Russians attacked the British positions at dawn in thick fog. The fighting was confused and fierce. As enemy troops reached the guns, Henry stayed at his battery and defended it despite being struck by bayonets 12 times. He eventually lost consciousness. He survived the battle, and it was this action that earned him the Victoria Cross.
Henry’s military career continued after the Crimea. He later became a captain and married Matilda Atkinson in 1860. They had two sons and a daughter.
Plymouth became his final posting. By 1870, Henry was serving at the Royal Citadel. He died in Plymouth on 14 October that year, aged 46, and was buried at Ford Park Cemetery.
The battle took place 172 years ago this 5 November. Henry’s story links that distant Crimean battlefield with the Royal Citadel and the cemetery where he was laid to rest.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post