Michael Sleavon : Short Biography

Michael Sleavon was born in 1826 in Magheraculmoney, County Fermanagh. 

He joined the British military forces in the 1840's as a means of gaining employment during the famine. He originall enlisted in the royal artillery, but being a skilled mason, his expertise were required in the engineers. He served in Bermuda, Mauritius, and India, eventually being promoted to the rank of corporal. 

On the 3rd of April 1858, Sleavon was involved in an attack on Jhansi Fort in India when he was ordered to build a parapet for an assault. Realising what he was doing, the enemy forces concentrated their fire on the spot where Sleavon was building. He continued to persevere, even though he was under heavy fire and many men were shot an killed. He eventually succeeded in completing the parapet thus allowing the British forces access to the fort which they then captured. 

For his bravery and perseverence Sleavon was awarded the presitgious Victoria Cross. 

He retred from military service in 1871 and returned to Ireland where he lived on a farm. He died on the 15th of August 1902 and was buried in Bannagh Churchyard.