John Worthy Chaplin

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John Worthy Chaplin bigraphy, stories - Recipient of the Victoria Cross

John Worthy Chaplin : biography

23 July 1840 – 18 August 1920

Colonel John Worthy Chaplin (23 July 1840 – 18 August 1920) was an English 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.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum and Memorial Garden in Winchester, England.

Details

Chaplin was 20 years old, and an ensign in the 67th Regiment of Foot, British Army during the Second China War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Ensign Chaplin was carrying the Queen’s Colours of the Regiment and first planted the Colours on the breach made by the storming party, assisted by a private. He then planted the Colours on the bastion of the fort which he was the first to mount, but in doing so he was severely wounded.

He achieved the rank of colonel. Chaplin was a member of Boodle’s club in St James’s, London, from 1880 until death.