William Raynor

William Raynor VC (July 1795 – 13 December 1860) 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. He is the oldest recipient of the Victoria Cross at 61 years old.

William Raynor
BornPlumtree, Nottinghamshire
DiedFerozepore, British India
Buried
Ferozepore Civil Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branchBengal Army
Years of service1812 - 1860
RankCaptain
Battles/warsGurkha War
Indian Mutiny
AwardsVictoria Cross

Details

Raynor was about 61 years old, and a lieutenant in the Bengal Veteran Establishment, Bengal Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 11 May 1857 in the Siege of Delhi, India, Lieutenant Raynor was one of nine men who defended the ammunition storehouse for more than five hours against large numbers of mutineers. When the wall was being scaled, hope of outside help was gone, they blew up the ammunition, killing many of the mutineers. Of the defenders, five died in the explosion and one shortly afterwards, while Raynor, George Forrest, and John Buckley survived. His citation in the London Gazette reads:

For gallant conduct in the defence of the Magazine at Delhi, on the 11th May, 1857.[1]

Further information

He is thought to be the oldest winner of the VC at 61 years 10 months.[2] He later achieved the rank of captain and died in India.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, Camberley, Surrey.

References
  1. "No. 22154". The London Gazette. 18 June 1858. p. 2959.
  2. Annabel Merullo and Neil Wenborn (Editors), British Military Greats. Cassell Illustrated, 2006. ISBN 978-1-84403-421-5; page 175.
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