  francis wheatley vc, dcm (1826 &ndash; 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 Â£3.17s.6d) into the 1st battalion rifle brigade (prince consort's own). ==victoria cross== he was awarded his victoria cross for duty in the crimean war on 12 october 1854. the day before his vc action, another act of gallantry earned him the distinguished conduct medal. the citation reads: on 12 october 1854 wheatley and some other riflemen were occupying a section of the trenches before sevastopol when a live russian shell fell amongst the men. without hesitation wheatley seized hold of the shell and endeavoured to knock the fuse out with the butt of his rifle. he was unsuccessful at the first attempt and so, with great presence of mind and deliberation he managed somehow to heave it over the parapet of the trench. it had scarcely fallen outside when it exploded. had it not been for his coolness, presence of mind and supreme courage and discipline, the shell would have inevitably exploded amongst the party causing serious casualties, but instead not a man was hurt. his vc was presented by queen victoria in person at the first investiture at hyde park, london on 26 june 1857. ==death== he died on 21 may 1865 at westminster hospital, london from acute myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) and asphyxia. he was buried in a common grave in brompton cemetery, on which a memorial has now been placed. his medals are on view at the royal green jackets museum and his name is on the memorial in winchester cathedral. ==the medal== his victoria cross and other medals are displayed at the royal green jackets museum, [[w
1826_births 1865_deaths British_Army_personnel_of_the_Crimean_War British_Army_recipients_of_the_Victoria_Cross British_recipients_of_the_Victoria_Cross Burials_at_Brompton_Cemetery Chevaliers_of_the_LA(c)gion_d\'honneur Crimean_War_recipients_of_the_Victoria_Cross Deaths_from_asphyxiation People_from_Ruddington Recipients_of_the_Distinguished_Conduct_Medal Rifle_Brigade_soldiers