Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. A native of Ireland, he received the award on December 24, 1860 from Lady Hersey at Fort William in Calcutta, British India for his actions as a sergeant in the 9th Lancers of the British Army on June 8, 1857 at the Battle of Budle-ke-Serai and October 10, 1857 at Agra, British India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was born in Drumlea, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland. Following his service in the Indian Mutiny, he remained in British India and achieved the rank of lieutenant. He died in Calcutta, British Indian at the age of 60. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Punjab Medal (with Chilianwala and Goojerat clasps) and the Indian Mutiny Medal (with Delhi clasp). His Victoria Cross Citation reads: "For daring and distinguished gallantry in the following instances: - At the battle of Budle-ke Serai, near Delhi, on the 8th June 1857, in going to the assistance of Serjeant H. Helstone, who was wounded, dismounted, and surrounded by the enemy, and at the risk of his own life, carrying him to the rear. On the 10th October 1857, at Agra, in having run unarmed to the assistance of Serjeant Crews, who was attacked by four rebels. Hartigan caught a tulwar from one of them with his right hand, and with the other hit him on the mouth, disarmed him, and then defended himself against the other three, killing one and wounding two, when he was himself disabled from further service by severe and dangerous wounds."
Indian Mutiny Victoria Cross Recipient. A native of Ireland, he received the award on December 24, 1860 from Lady Hersey at Fort William in Calcutta, British India for his actions as a sergeant in the 9th Lancers of the British Army on June 8, 1857 at the Battle of Budle-ke-Serai and October 10, 1857 at Agra, British India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He was born in Drumlea, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland. Following his service in the Indian Mutiny, he remained in British India and achieved the rank of lieutenant. He died in Calcutta, British Indian at the age of 60. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Punjab Medal (with Chilianwala and Goojerat clasps) and the Indian Mutiny Medal (with Delhi clasp). His Victoria Cross Citation reads: "For daring and distinguished gallantry in the following instances: - At the battle of Budle-ke Serai, near Delhi, on the 8th June 1857, in going to the assistance of Serjeant H. Helstone, who was wounded, dismounted, and surrounded by the enemy, and at the risk of his own life, carrying him to the rear. On the 10th October 1857, at Agra, in having run unarmed to the assistance of Serjeant Crews, who was attacked by four rebels. Hartigan caught a tulwar from one of them with his right hand, and with the other hit him on the mouth, disarmed him, and then defended himself against the other three, killing one and wounding two, when he was himself disabled from further service by severe and dangerous wounds."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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