Francis Wheatley (VC)

Francis Wheatley (VC)

Francis Wheatley VC, DCM (1826 – 21 May 1865) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, which he won for his actions during the Crimean War. It is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was born in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, England. His father was a frame work knitter, a trade which Francis took up before joining the army. He was enlisted at Daventry on 5 November 1839 (for a bounty of £3.17s.6d) into the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own).