The Victoria Cross won by enlisted Irishman Stephen Garvin – one of the great heroes of the Victorian era in Britain – will be auctioned by Dix Noonan Webb in London on September 19. His group of six gallantry, campaign and long service medals is estimated at £120,000-140,000.The unique Victoria Cross and Distinguished Conduct Medals awarded to Sgt. Major Stephen Garvin – the only man to win both during the Indian Mutiny – are being offered by a private collector.
Stephen Garvin, the most highly decorated non commissioned British soldier to emerge from the Indian Mutiny, was one of the first Irishmen to be awarded the VC. He won it during the Siege of Delhi on June 23, 1857, less than a year after the award had been instituted. It was presented to him by Queen Victoria at an investiture at Windsor Home Park in 1860. Born in Cashel in 1826 he enlisted in the 74th Regiment in 1842. Transferring to the 60th Rifles he saw action in the Punjab Campaign in 1848-49 and on the North West Frontier in 1849-50 and was serving in India when the Indian Mutiny broke out.
The group of medals, including the VC, awarded to Stephen Garvin.
Stephen Garvin.