Personal info
- Name: Luke O'CONNOR
- D.O.B: 19th Feb, 1831
- D.O.A: 20th Sep, 1854
- D.O.D: 1st Feb, 1915
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Sergeant, 23rd Regiment of Foot (Royal Welsh Fusiliers), 1st Brigade, Light Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 1
The Second Assault on the Redan, Russia 8 September 1855
8 September 1855
The Crimean War
On 8 September 1855 the Allies launched what was to prove their final attack on Sevastopol. The second British assault on the Redan at first appeared to be making some progress. Lieutenant Colonel F F Maude of The Buffs led his men including Private J J Connors into the Redan. Some of the 90th Regiment, amongst whom was Sergeant A Moynihan, and the 97th Regiment, including Captain C H Lumley, also made it into the stronghold. However, they found it impossible to maintain their position and all were forced to withdraw. In consequence, as with the first assault on the Redan (qv), apart from those who received awards for their gallantry in the attack, like those referred to above and Sergeant L O’Connor (qv), 23rd Regiment, a number of Citations specifically referred to bravery in rescuing wounded men. Captain G Davis and Bombardier D Cambridge RA, and Assistant Surgeon T E Hale 7th Regiment, assisted amongst others Captain H M Jones (qv). Assistant Surgeon H T Sylvester and Corporal R Shields, 23rd Regiment, distinguished themselves by rescuing the mortally wounded Lieutenant Dyneley. On the evening of the 8th, Corporal J Ross (qv), Royal Sappers and Miners, who had gone out to look for some of his company who were missing, crept into the Redan and discovered that the Russians had withdrawn from the fortification. That same day the French had attacked and captured the Malakov to the east of the Redan. This effectively rendered Sevastopol indefensible and the following day the Russians evacuated the City after a siege lasting eleven months. Other than a few minor actions this brought the Crimean War to an end.
Citation
Was one of the centre Serjeants at the Battle of the Alma, and advanced between the Officers, carrying the colours. When near the redoubt, Lieutenant Anstruther, who was carrying a colour, was mortally wounded, and he was shot in the breast at the same time, and fell; but, recovering himself,snatched up the colourfrom the ground,and continued to carry it till the end of the action, although urged by Captain Granville to relinquish it,and go to the rear, on account of his wound; was recommended for and received his commission for his services at the Alma. Also behaved with great gallantry at the assault on the Redan, 8th September, 1855, where he wasshot through both thighs.
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