James Hollowell

James Hollowell VC
Born	1823 Lambeth, London
Died	4 April 1876(1876-04-04) (aged 52–53) Holborn, London
Buried	Brookwood Cemetery
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service / branch	British Army
Rank	Lance-Corporal
Unit	78th Regiment of Foot
Battles / wars	Anglo-Persian War Indian Mutiny
Awards	Victoria Cross

James Hollowell VC (1823 – 4 April 1876) was a British 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

Hollowell was about 34 years old, and a private in the 78th Regiment of Foot (later The Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's)), British Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place on 26 September 1857 at the Siege of Lucknow, India for which he was awarded the VC:

78th Regiment Private James Hollowell

Date of Act of Bravery, 26th September, 1857

A party, on the 26th of September, 1857, was shut up and besieged in a house in the city of Lucknow, by the rebel sepoys. Private James Hollowell, one of the party, behaved, throughout the day, in the most admirable manner; he directed, encouraged, and led the others, exposing himself fearlessly, and by his talent in persuading and cheering, prevailed on nine dispirited men to make a successful defence, in a burning house, with the enemy, firing through four windows. (Extract from Divisional

Orders of Major-General Sir James Outran, G.C.B., dated 14th October, 1857.)

He later achieved the rank of lance-corporal. He joined the Corps of Commissionaires and is buried in an unmarked grave in their plot in Brookwood Cemetery.

The Medal

Hollowell's grave marker in Brookwood Cemetery

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of Queens Own Highlanders, Fort George, Inverness-shire, Scotland.

References

• Location of grave and VC medal (Brookwood Cemetery)
• The Brookwood Cemetery Society (Known Holders of the Victoria Cross Commemorated in Brookwood Cemetery)