.

Please find herewith a further entry in my ongoing series on the Victoria Cross.  This one comes from the files of Stu Christie, Merchant Navy Veteran from World War II and Curator of The War Amps Museum:

Edward St. John Daniel, VC, won the Victoria Cross three times and forfeited it in disgrace.

He joined the British Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet in January 1851, just before his 14th birthday.  He served on the Frigate Winchester at Pegu and Prome in the second Burma War in 1852.  The conditions under which they fought, plus untreated insect bites and lacerations, caused chronic ulcers that affected him most of his life.

As a Midshipman, he served under Capt. Peel, VC, on the ship HMS Diamond (Peel had also won the Victoria Cross three times: October 18, 1854; November 5, 1854, and June 18, 1855).

They went to the Crimea in 1853, and landed with the Naval Brigade.  The first act for which Daniel was awarded the VC was on October 18, 1854.  He volunteered to bring powder to the battery from a wagon which was under heavy fire, after a shot had disabled the horses.

The second time was at the Battle of Inkerman on November 5, 1854, as Aide-de-Camp to Capt. Peel, who also won the Victoria Cross again for outstanding bravery.

The third time was on June 18, 1855, for devotion to his leader, Capt. Peel, under murderous fire when they stormed the Redan (a rampart jutting out into enemy line).  While exposed to the heavy fire, Daniel bandaged his chief’s head and tied a tourniquet on his arm, saving Capt. Peel’s life.  Again, Daniel shared the honour of the Victoria Cross with his friend and commander.

In February 1857, Daniel went with Peel to commission HMS Shannon and landed with him in the Naval Brigade during the Indian Mutiny.  Again, Daniel distinguished himself.

When Capt. Peel died of smallpox in April 1858, it was all downhill for Daniel.  He began drinking more than ever and was always in trouble.  In 1860 on the HMS Wasp, being drunk and not turning out for the middle watch, he was court-martialled on board the HMS Impregnable.  He pleaded guilty.  He produced testimonials from past Captains and showed the court his Victoria Cross and other medals:

• The Indian General Service (with the Pegu Clasp);
• Crimea Medal (with Sebastopol and Inkerman Clasps);
• Turkish and Sardinial Crimea Medals;
• The Turkish Order of the Medjidie 5th Class;
• The Indian Mutiny Medal (with the relief of Lucknow and Lucknow Clasps).

The court was impressed, and taking into consideration his gallantry before the enemy, sentenced Daniel to dismissal from the HMS WASP.

He was appointed Lieutenant on the steam vessel Victor Emanual in the Mediterranean, January 1861.  On June 21, 1861, he was in trouble again and was marked run (DESERTER) on June 28, 1861.  On September 4, 1861, the Queen, who had awarded Daniel his Victoria Cross and had shaken his hand, issued a Royal Warrant and Daniel was the first man to have his name erased from the VC Roll.

In 1863, Daniel was living in Australia and was recruited by the New Zealand government to serve in an infantry battalion for the Maori Wars.  His drinking habits got him in trouble again, and he was confined to intensive labour from August 8 to August 15, 1863.  Daniel took part in several operations in South Taranaki, until the military were disbanded in 1867.

On November 26, 1867, he was sworn in as Constable No. 154 in No. 2 Division, New Zealand Armed Constabulary Field Force, Patea, South Taranaki.

Daniel had been ailing for some time and was sent to hospital May 16, 1868 and died May 20, 1868.  He was given a military funeral with full honours.  Daniel had been much respected by his comrades. He was buried in Grave No. 851, Block 27 in Hokitika Municipal Cemetery. In 1971, the grave was reported as overgrown and unmarked.  Daniel’s death certificate gave the cause as delirium tremens.