John Simpson Knox VC

Name: John Simpson Knox

Conflict: Crimean War

Gazetted: February 24, 1857

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Calton, Glasgow/September 30, 1828

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Lieutenant (later Brevet Major)

Date of bravery: September 20, 1854 and June 18, 1855

London Gazette citation:

When serving as Serjeant in the Scots Fusiliers Guards, Lieutenant Knox was conspicuous for his exertions in reforming the ranks of the Guards at the Battle of Alma.

Subsequently, when in the Rifle Brigade, he volunteered for the ladder-party in the attack on the Redan, on the 18th of June [1855], and (in the words of Captain Blackett, under whose command he was) behaved admirably, remaining on the field until twice wounded.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire/January 8, 1897

Grave/memorials: Cheltenham Cemetery, Gloucestershire; Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2014

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum