John Grieve
Recipient of the Victoria Cross
Died when: 52 years 212 days (630 months)Star Sign: Taurus
John Grieve VC (3 May 1821 – 1 December 1873) was a Scottish 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.
Grieve was 34 years old, and a sergeant-major in the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys), British Army at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War when the following deed took place on 25 October 1854 at Balaklava, Crimea, for which he was awarded the VC.His citation in the London Gazette read: Saved the life of an Officer, in the Heavy Cavalry Charge at Balaklava, who was surrounded by Russian Cavalry, by his gallant conduct in riding up to his rescue and cutting off the head of one Russian, disabling and dispersing the others.
Grieve later achieved the rank of lieutenant and buried in Inveresk cemetery.His VC is on display at the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide, Australia.
It had been in the possession of his nephews A.I and J.H.Oliver of Cowandilla, South Australia.He died in East Lothian on 1 December 1873 and was buried in Inveresk parish churchyard.
The grave lies in the centre of the section of the original churchyard west of the church.
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