John Prettyjohns Victoria Cross

11th June 1823 – 20th January 1887

He Was The First Royal Marine To Win The VC

The previous page was: "Parker VC"

It is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth Armed forces.

In his Early life, Prettyjohns was born at Dean Prior, near to Buckfastleigh, Devon. His early years were spent labouring in Buckfastleigh. On 10th June 1844, he enlisted as a private in the 59th Company, Plymouth Division, for unlimited service - and collected 2s 6d.

On the following day, he collected a bounty of £3 17s 6d for oath of allegiance. After training he embarked on "H.M.S Melampus" he then sailed to south-eastern USA, and then went on to the East Indies.

On 28th June, he disembarked at Chatham. On 23rd August 1849, he then joined "H.M.S. Bellerophon" where on the 7th November 1850, his ship sailed for the Mediterranean. He was promoted to corporal on the 15th January 1582.

On 17th October 1854, "H.M.S. Bellerophon" bombarded Sevastopol during the Crimean campaign. And on 5th November 1854, Corporal John Prettyjohns won the Victoria Cross during the Battle of Inkerman.

The 2nd November 1854, was an active day, 312 rank and file marched off from the heights of Balaklava, for the Light Division, under the command of Captain Hopkins, R.M.L.I., the detachment was divided into four companies, taking it in turns in the trenches.

Parker VC

On The Morning Of The 5th

The relieved troops, which had just returned, were preparing their breakfast; when the firing from Sebastopol was gradually increased, and then it commenced in our rear. We didn't know what was happening; nothing could be distinguished clearly through the fog and smoke from where we were.

When the bugle sounded the ‘Fall-in’ every body doubled to their position; officers were hurrying about giving orders, they believed vast columns of the enemy were moving up to our rear, that's why the shelling was behind us and in front.

We were advanced cautiously and then we took up defensive positions and waited; when they appeared through the fog, we opened fire and then bullets began to fall in amongst us, the Sergeant-Major was the first man killed. The first roll of musketry was terrific; everyone seemed to fire at the same moment.

The order was given to take up the prone position; it was well that we did so; because a rush of bullets passed over us: then we gave them three rounds, kneeling, into their close columns and they scatered.

At the same time some seamen opened fire with the ship's heavy guns. the shells landed amongst their left flank, and this drove them back into the fog and smoke. Our Commanding Officer received several orders from mounted officers at this critical time; first it was ‘advance’, then it was ‘hold your ground and prepare for a couter-attack.’

The Inkermann Caves

The caves were occupied by the enemy’s sharpshooters, and they were giving us trouble, picking off our officers and gunners. Between us and these men was a large expance of open space; which was exposed to the broadside fire of a frigate in the harbour under shelter of the wall, but she had been heeled over so as to clear the muzzles of her guns, when fired, from striking the wall; thus, her fire raked the open part.

The Caves had to be cleared, and the Marines were ordered to do it; as soon as we showed ourselves in the open, a broadside from the frigate thinned our ranks; Captain March fell wounded. Captain Hopkins ordered his men to lie down under a bit of rising ground, and ordered two privates, Pat Sullivan and another man to take the Captain back, and there Hopkins stood amidst a shower of shot and shell, watching him being removed.

A Troop, under Sergeant Richards, and Corporal Prettyjohns, was allotted the task of clearing the caves. What became of the Commanding Officer and the others I never knew, so many statements have been made.

We, under Richards and Prettyjohns, soon cleared the caves, but found our ammunition nearly all expended, and a fresh batch of Russians were creeping up the hillside in single file along a narrow winding track, at our rear.

Prettyjohns, a big muscular West Countryman, said, "Well lads, we are just in for a warming, and it will be every man for himself in a few minutes. Look alive, my hearties, and collect all the big stones that are handy, and stack them on the ridge in front of you. When I grip the front man you let go the biggest stones upon those fellows following behind him."

As soon as the first man stood on the level, Prettyjohns jumped up and grabbed him and gave him a Westcountry buttock, threw him over upon the man following, instantly a furious hail of large stones landed amongst the enemy knocking some of them over.

Discouraged, away they went, tumbling one over each other in their haste, down the sharp incline; we gladly gave them a parting volley, and retired out of sight and loaded the last of our ammunition. Fortunately for us, the enemy retreated, they had sufficient numbers to defeat us in battle, because of our ammunition situation; but then they wouldn't have known that.

Later in the day we were recalled, and ordered to keep clear of the frigate’s fire, to do this we had to keep to our left, passing over the field of the slaughtered.

On being mustered, if my memory is not at fault, twenty-one had been killed and a number wounded. We all felt proud of our Commanding Officer, who had stood fine, like a hero, while making sure Captain March was helped to safety.

The report was by Sergeant Turner R.M.

Despatch from Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins

Senior Officer of Marines

CORPORAL JOHN PRETTYJOHNS, R.M. had been recommended for gallantry at the Battle of Inkerman, having placed himself in an advanced position; and noticed, as having himself shot four Russians.

Corporal Prettyjohns received the VC, Colour Sergeant Jordan the Medal and £20 for Distinguished Conduct in the Field, Captain Hopkins a C.B., others were also recommended.

London Gazette - 24th February 1857

Corporal Prettyjohn's VC

Royal Marine Detachment "H.M.S. Agamemnon" Crimea

On 5th November 1854, at the Battle of Inkerman, Corporal Prettyjohn's platoon went to clear out some caves which were occupied by snipers. In doing so they used up almost all of their ammunition, and then noticed fresh parties of Russians creeping up the hill in single file.

Corporal Prettyjohn gave instructions to his men to collect as many stones as possible which they could use instead of ammunition. When the first Russian appeared he was seized by the corporal and thrown down the slope. The others were greeted by a hail of large stones and retreated.

Letter from Colonel Wesley, Deputy Adjutant General

On 16th January 1856, he was promoted to sergeant and embarked on "H.M.S. Sans Pareil" for Hong Kong on 12th March 1857. He was promoted to Colour-Sergeant on 29th April, and on 26th June a Victoria Cross was sent to the Admiralty and despatched to China for presentation. On 16th July, he sailed for Singapore and Calcutta on "H.M.S. Shannon," arriving in Fort William, Calcutta later that year.

On 28th December, he took part in the capture of Canton before embarking on "H.M.S. Tribune" for Vancouver and San Juan Island. On 17th December 1863, his final tour of duty came to an end. He was discharged on 16th June 1865, after 21 years and 6 days service - 16 years 94 days of which were spent at sea or abroad.

He retired to the Greater Manchester area, and became a Golf Club steward at Whalley Range Bowling Club, Albert Road, Withington, Lancashire. He died on 20th January 1887, at Chorlton upon Medlock, Lancashire and is buried in the Southern Cemetery, Manchester.

The Awards Of Corporal Prettyjohns

He was awarded the Victoria Cross, British Crimea Medal with clasp for Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol, the Turkish Crimea and Sardinian Crimea Medals, the China Medal (1857) with clasps for Canton, a Long Service & Good Conduct medal, and a Long Service and Good Conduct gratuity for gallantry in the Crimea.

The next Link below will be: "Wilkinson Victoria Cross"

Prettyjohns Victoria Cross Wilkinson Victoria Cross

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