John Buckley (VC)

Major John Buckley VC (24 May 1813 – 14 July 1876) was an English 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.

Details
Buckley was 43 years old, and a Deputy Assistant Commissary of Ordnance in the Commissariat Department (Bengal Establishment) of the British East India Company during the Indian Mutiny when the following took place on 11 May 1857 at Delhi, India for which he was awarded the VC. Deputy Assistant Commissary Buckley was one of nine men who defended the ammunition storehouse for more than five hours against large numbers of mutineers. When the wall was being scaled and hope of outside help was gone, they blew up the ammunition, killing many of the mutineers. Of the defenders, five died in the explosion and one shortly afterwards, while Buckley, George Forrest, and William Raynor survived. His citation in the London Gazette reads: "For gallant conduct in the defence of the Magazine at Delhi, on the 11th May, 1857."

He was captured by the enemy and later found out that his wife and children had been killed by the rebels.

The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the The Royal Logistic Corps Museum at Camberley, Surrey, England.

Commemorations
A blue plaque to commemorate Buckley's life is sited at the Travellers Call public house in Stalybridge.

Buckley Barracks, home of 9 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (formed from the amalgamation of the RAOC/RCT) at Hullavington, Wiltshire has been named after Buckley, and his VC is part of the badge for the unit. Buckley House, the official residence of the commander of Bicester Garrison is also named after Buckley.