John Perie

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John Perie bigraphy, stories - Recipient of the Victoria Cross

John Perie : biography

1831 – 17 September 1874

John Perie VC (1831 – 17 September 1874) was a Scottish 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.

Details

Perie was approximately 25 years old, and a sapper in the Corps of Royal Engineers, British Army during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 18 June 1855 during the Siege of Sevastopol, Sapper Perie showed conspicuous gallantry, with a lieutenant (Gerald Graham) in leading a ladder party at the assault on the Redan. He also volunteered to go with the lieutenant to help bring in a wounded sailor lying in the open, even though he was himself suffering from a musket wound in the side.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent.