Final resting place of Limerick Victoria Cross hero discovered after 148 years

Limerick historian and author Des Ryan has announced the discovery of the long-lost grave of Private Joseph Bradshaw VC, one of the earliest Irish recipients of the Victoria Cross

A 150-year Limerick mystery has been solved as the final resting place of a Limerick Victoria Cross hero has been discovered

Limerick historian and author Des Ryan has announced the discovery of the long-lost grave of Private Joseph Bradshaw VC, one of the earliest Irish recipients of the Victoria Cross and a native of Pallasgreen, Dromkeen, Co. Limerick.

Bradshaw, who served with distinction in the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny, died in Dublin in 1878. Until now, the location of his burial had remained unknown, with many publications incorrectly citing both his date and place of death.

Many believed he was buried in the graveyard at St John’s Church in Limerick. Following extensive archival investigation, Ryan has confirmed that Bradshaw is buried in an unmarked shared grave (Grave EE196) in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, where he was interred on 23 March 1878.

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His grave is shared with at least six others, and unlike many of his fellow Victoria Cross recipients, no headstone or marker currently honours his service.

Ryan said, “I am a proud Limerick man and while I am delighted to uncover Bradshaw’s final resting place, I find it very sad that such an eminent and valiant Limerick man had spent almost 150 years in an unmarked grave. I would like to see a proper headstone put in place or better still, I’d like the mayor to investigate repatriating him to Limerick and to enquire about having his medals brought home too.”

Born in May 1832, Bradshaw enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own) in 1853.

He earned the Victoria Cross for his bravery during a daring assault on a Russian rifle pit on 22 April 1855, during the Siege of Sevastopol.

“A Russian rifle pit, situated among some rocks overhanging the Woronzoff Road, between the 3rd parallel, right attack, and the Quarries (at that period in the possession of the enemy), was occupied every night by the Russians, and their riflemen commanded a portion of the left attack, impeding the work in the new battery then being erected on the extreme right front of the 2nd parallel, left attack.

“It was carried out in daylight on 22nd April 1855, by two riflemen, one of whom was Private Bradshaw. He has since received the French War Medal. The rifle pit was subsequently destroyed, on fresh support being obtained”.

Bradshaw was given his medal by Queen Victoria herself at the first Victoria Cross Investiture which was held at Hyde Park in London on 26th June 1857. Sixty-two awards were issued that day to Crimean War veterans. Of the sixty-two, two were issued to men from Limerick, the second was William Coffey from Knocklong. He later fought in the Indian Mutiny, where he was again recognised for his courage and sustained serious injuries in action.

Despite his exceptional service record, which included the Victoria Cross, the French Médaille Militaire, the Crimea Medal, and the Indian Mutiny Medal, Bradshaw lived his final years modestly in Dublin, working as a watchman. He died from “disease of the liver” at age just 42. His medals, pawned by his wife in Dublin after his death, eventually became part of the Rifle Brigade’s collection and today reside in the Rifleman’s Museum, Winchester.

Ryan’s discovery brings long-overdue clarity to a hero’s final chapter and raises important questions about commemoration, recognition, and historical memory. “This is an opportunity,” Ryan added, “to honour Bradshaw properly and to ensure that future generations of Limerick people know his story.”