Second Boer War Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cork, Ireland, he served as a Lieutenant in the 2nd Scottish Horse. On July 3, 1901, Lieutenant English was in command of a troop of five men engaged in the pursuit of some Boers with their cattle in the Vlakfontein region South Africa. A party of 60 Boers attacked a squad on Lieutenant English's pluck when he went forward with his men to assist the isolated position. Two of his men were killed and two wounded but Lieutenant English held his position. When the ammunition ran short he went to the next squad over open range under heavy fire and obtained more ammo. For bravery in the face of the enemy, he was decorated with the Victoria Cross by HRH The Prince of Wales on July 1, 1902. Remaining in the service, he served in World War I and retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1930. With the advent of World War II, he formed in Northern Ireland a Group of the National Defense Corps which became the 6th Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles. In mid 1941, he took a service appointment in the Middle East but died at sea of a cerebral hemorrhage at age 58.
Second Boer War Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Cork, Ireland, he served as a Lieutenant in the 2nd Scottish Horse. On July 3, 1901, Lieutenant English was in command of a troop of five men engaged in the pursuit of some Boers with their cattle in the Vlakfontein region South Africa. A party of 60 Boers attacked a squad on Lieutenant English's pluck when he went forward with his men to assist the isolated position. Two of his men were killed and two wounded but Lieutenant English held his position. When the ammunition ran short he went to the next squad over open range under heavy fire and obtained more ammo. For bravery in the face of the enemy, he was decorated with the Victoria Cross by HRH The Prince of Wales on July 1, 1902. Remaining in the service, he served in World War I and retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1930. With the advent of World War II, he formed in Northern Ireland a Group of the National Defense Corps which became the 6th Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles. In mid 1941, he took a service appointment in the Middle East but died at sea of a cerebral hemorrhage at age 58.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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