Joseph Jee VC CB | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1819-02-09)9 February 1819 |
| Died | 17 March 1899(1899-03-17) (aged 80) |
| Buried | Ratcliffe College,Ratcliffe-on-the-Wreake, Leicestershire |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Service years | 1842–1868 |
| Rank | DeputySurgeon General |
| Unit | |
| Conflicts | awards |
| Other work | Honorary Surgeon to the Queen |
Joseph JeeVC CB (9 February 1819 – 17 March 1899) was anEnglish recipient of theVictoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded toBritish andCommonwealth forces.
Jee was 38 years old, and asurgeon in the78th Regiment (later TheSeaforth Highlanders Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's),British Army during theIndian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 25 September 1857, at therelief of Lucknow, for which he was awarded the VC:
78th Regiment
Surgeon Joseph Jee, C.B., Date of Act of Bravery, 25th September, 1857
For most conspicuous gallantry and important Services, on the entry of the late Major-General Havelock's relieving force intoLucknow, on the 25th September, 1857, in having during action (when the 78th Highlanders, then in possession of the Char Bagh,
captured two 9-pounders at the point of the bayonet), by great exertion and devoted exposure, attended to the large number of men wounded in the charge, whom he succeeded in getting removed on cots and the backs of their comrades, until he had collected the Dooly bearers who had fled. Subsequently, on the same day, in endeavouring to reach the Residency with the wounded men, Surgeon Jee became besieged by an overwhelming force in the Mote-Mehal, where he remained during the whole night and following morning, voluntarily and repeatedly exposing himself to a heavy fire in proceeding to dress the wounded men who fell while serving a 24-pounder in a most exposed situation. He eventually succeeded in taking many of the wounded, through a cross fire of ordnance and musketry, safely into the Residency, by the river-bank, although repeatedly warned not to make the perilous attempt.
He later achieved the rank of deputysurgeon general.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at theArmy Medical Services Museum,Mytchett,Surrey.
