Duncan Gordon Boyes, English soldier; Victoria Cross recipient (b. 1846)

Duncan Gordon Boyes VC (5 November 1846 – 26 January 1869) was a remarkable yet tragic figure in British naval history, an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be bestowed upon British and Commonwealth forces. His extraordinary bravery was recognized for his actions during the Shimonoseki Expedition in Japan in 1864.

The Significance of the Victoria Cross

Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, the Victoria Cross (VC) is not merely an award but a profound symbol of courage and sacrifice. It is awarded for "most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." This makes it an exceptionally rare honour, distinguishing individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary heroism under the most perilous conditions.

Heroism During the Shimonoseki Expedition (1864)

At just 17 years old, Duncan Gordon Boyes, then a Midshipman aboard HMS Euryalus, displayed the exceptional courage that earned him the Victoria Cross. His valor was recognized during the Anglo-Japanese bombardment of the Shimonoseki forts on 6 September 1864. This expedition was a punitive naval action by a combined fleet of British, French, Dutch, and American vessels against the Chōshū Domain of Japan, which had repeatedly fired upon foreign shipping in the Kanmon Straits. During the assault on the forts, Boyes was entrusted with carrying the Queen's Colour of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, a position of immense symbolic importance and danger. When the colour-party, responsible for protecting the flag, was decimated by enemy fire, Boyes, despite being severely wounded himself, bravely retrieved the Colour. He continued to carry it forward under heavy fire, enduring further wounds before he was finally compelled to hand it over to a member of the Staff. His official citation commended his "distinguished bravery" and his ability to act with "great coolness and intrepidity, at a moment of very great danger."

Post-Award Life and Tragic End

Despite receiving the nation's highest honour for gallantry, Duncan Gordon Boyes's life took a sorrowful turn. Following his heroic actions, he was later discharged from naval service. While the specific details of his "ill-discipline" are not widely publicized, it is understood that he struggled with the strictures of naval life and regulations after his highly stressful experiences. Seeking a new beginning, Boyes emigrated to New Zealand, a common destination for many Britons at the time, to work on his family's sheep station near Dunedin. However, the move did not alleviate his profound personal struggles. He reportedly suffered from severe depression and alcoholism, conditions that tragically led him to commit suicide at the young age of 22 in Dunedin on 26 January 1869. His short life, marked by both extraordinary courage and profound personal torment, stands as a poignant reminder of the complex challenges faced by individuals, even those lauded for their bravery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Duncan Gordon Boyes VC

When and where was Duncan Gordon Boyes born?
Duncan Gordon Boyes was born on 5 November 1846 in England.
What was Duncan Gordon Boyes's rank when he earned the Victoria Cross?
He was a Midshipman aboard HMS Euryalus at the time of his actions in the Shimonoseki Expedition.
What specific act of bravery earned him the Victoria Cross?
He earned the VC for his gallantry during the attack on the Shimonoseki forts in Japan in 1864, where he, despite being severely wounded, retrieved and carried the Queen's Colour after the colour-party was shot down, displaying exceptional courage under heavy fire.
Why was Duncan Gordon Boyes discharged from the Royal Navy?
He was discharged from naval service due to ill-discipline, though the exact nature of these disciplinary issues is not fully detailed in historical records.
Where did Duncan Gordon Boyes live after leaving the Navy?
He moved to New Zealand to work on his family's sheep station near Dunedin.
How old was Duncan Gordon Boyes when he died, and what was the cause of his death?
He was 22 years old when he died by suicide in Dunedin, New Zealand, on 26 January 1869, reportedly suffering from depression and alcoholism.