John Grieve VC was a Scottish 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.
Grieve was 34 years old, and a sergeant-major in the 2nd Dragoons, British Army at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War when the following deed took place on 25 October 1854 at Balaklava, Crimea, for which he was awarded the VC. His citation read:
Saved the life of an Officer, in the Heavy Cavalry Charge at Balaklava, who was surrounded by Russian Cavalry, by his gallant conduct in riding up to his rescue and cutting off the head of one Russian, disabling and dispersing the others.
He later achieved the rank of lieutenant. His VC is on display at the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide, Australia.
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