Joseph Prosser : Short Biography

Joseph Prosser was born in 1828 in Moneygall in the civil parish of Cullenwaine, County Offaly. 

As a young man, Joseph enlisted in the British military forces. 

When the Crimean War broke out in 1854, Prosser was stationed in the Crimean Peninsula. On the 16th of June 1855, a man in Prosser's regiment deserted to the enemy. As he ran from the trenches, Prosser pursued him across the open battlefield under heavy fire and apprehended him. 

Two months later, Prosser would show his bravery once more when, on the 11th of August 1855, he carried a wouned soldier to safety, once again exposing himself to heavy fire. 

For these acts of gallantry, Joseph Prosser was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross. 

Upon retirement from military service, Prosser relocated to Liverpool where he spent the rest of his days. 

Prosser died at his home in Liverpool on the 10th of June 1867. He was just 39 years old. He was buried in a pauper's grave in the Anfield cemetery. A headstone was added in 1995.