On October 25, 1854 at the Battle of Balaclava Lt. Dunn took part in the "Charge of the Light Brigade." Lieutenant Dunn in command of F Troop 11th Hussar joined with the Light Calvary, charged into what became known as the "Valley of Death." the valley was flanked on both sides by high slopes which were defended by Russian Troops and Artillery and a 12 gun battery placed wheel to wheel at the end of the valley. During the battle Lieutenant Dunn saw Sergeant Bentley struggling with his horse and three Russians attacking him. Lieutenant Dunn rushed to his aid and within minutes killed them. He put Bentley on his horse and sent the horse towards British lines. He then saw Private Levett of his troop on foot and in danger of being killed by a Russian Hussar. Lieutenant Dunn went to his aid and cut the Hussar down with his sword. When Dunn got back and found out how badly his unit had been decimated he broke down and cried. Out of the 110 cavalrymen making up the 11th Hussars only 25 survived.
His Victoria Cross Citation published in the London Gazette of February 24, 1857 read: " For having in the Light Cavalry charge on the 25th of October 1854, saved the life of Sergeant Bentley 11th Hussars by cutting down two or three Russian Lancers who were attacking him from the rear and afterwards cutting down a Russian Hussar who was attacking Private Levett 11th Hussars." Lieutenant Dunn is considered the 1st Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross.
Lieutenant Dunn died near Senafe Abysinnia 25 of January 1868 the circumstances are clouded with mystery. The official unit reported he died when his hunting rifle accidentally discharged.
No comments:
Post a Comment