William Rennie
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- For the Liberal Democrat MP, see Willie Rennie.
William Rennie VC (1st November 1821–22 August 1896) 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.
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[edit] Details
He was 34 years old, and a lieutenant and adjutant in the 90th Regiment (later The Cameronians - Scottish Rifles), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 21 September 1857 at Lucknow, India, Lieutenant Rennie charged the enemy's guns in advance of the skirmishers of his regiment, under heavy musketry fire and prevented them from dragging off one gun, which was subsequently captured. On 25 September he again charged in advance of the 90th column in the face of heavy grape fire, and forced the enemy to abandon their guns.
[edit] Further information
Lt. Rennie was promoted to Captain on the 9th Jan. 1863, Major 10 Dec. 1873, Lieutenant-Colonel 28 March, 1874 and retired in 1875. He died at Elgin in Aug. 1896 aged 75 years. Grave/memorial at Buried at Elgin Cemetery, Moray, Scotland. Lair H-96. Headstone.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Cameronians Regimental Museum (Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland). The museum had bought the medal in January 1969 for the then record value of £1700. [1]
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Grampian)
- William Rennie at Find A Grave
