James Davis VC

Name: James Davis (also known as James Davis Kelly)

Conflict: Indian Mutiny

Gazetted: May 27, 1859

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Canongate, Edinburgh/February 1835

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Private

Date of bravery: April 15, 1858

London Gazette citation:

42^nd Regiment. Private James Davis. Date of Act of Bravery, 15^th April, 1858.

For conspicuous gallantry, at the attack on the Fort of Ruhya, when, with an advanced party, to point out the gate of the Fort to the Engineer Officer, Private Davis offered to carry the body of Lieutenant Bramley, who was killed at this point, to the Regiment. He performed this duty of danger and affection under the very walls of the Fort.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death:  Edinburgh/March 2, 1893

Grave/memorials: North Merchiston Cemetery, Edinburgh

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2001

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