Andrew Fitzgibbon | |
|---|---|
 Victoria Cross Medal | |
| Born | 13 May 1845 |
| Died | 7 March 1883 (aged 37) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | British India |
| Branch |  British Indian Army |
| Rank | Apothecary |
| Unit | Indian Medical Establishment |
| Battles / wars | Second Opium War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Andrew FitzgibbonVC (13 May 1845 – 7 March 1883) was a British soldier, and possibly the youngest recipient of theVictoria Cross.[1]
Fitzgibbon was born inPithoragarh, Uttarakhand,India. He was fifteen years old, and aHospital Apprentice in theIndian Medical Establishment,Indian Army, attached to the67th Regiment (later The Royal Hampshire Regiment) during theThird China War when the deed for which he was awarded the VC took place.
On 21 August 1860 at thecapture of the Northern of theTaku Forts,China, Fitzgibbon accompanied a wing of the 67th Regiment when it took up a position within 500 yards of the fort. He proceeded, under heavy fire, to attend adhoolie-bearer whose wound he had been directed to bind up. Then, while the regiment was advancing under the enemy's fire, he ran across the open ground to attend to another wounded man. In doing so he was himself severely wounded.[2]
Acknowledged to be youngest recipient of the VC (aged 15 years, 3 months), withThomas Flynn (VC).[3]Jack Cornwell was 16 years old when he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross after theBattle of Jutland.
Fitzgibbon later achieved the rank ofApothecary. He died in Delhi, India on 7 March 1883. He is believed to have been buried with his Victoria Cross.[4]