Crimea War Medal 1854-56, clasp, 'Sebastopol', awarded to Private John Connors, 3rd (The East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs)

John Connors, who is erroneously referred to as Joseph Connors in some sources, was born in County Kerry, and enlisted on 8 January 1849, when he was described as a labourer. He earned the Victoria Cross (VC) for 'conspicuous courage and devotion during the assault on the Redan' on 8 September 1855. Before he could receive his VC, Connors tragically died. It is believed he fell to his death from the battlements of Port Neuf, on the island of Corfu, where the Buffs were then garrisoned, on 29 January 1857. Connors is buried on the island. The whereabouts of his VC is not known and it is possible that his widow, then living in County Galway, never received it.